Be Careful about Olympic Themed Promotions

The U.S. Olympic Committee holds federally registered trademarks giving them exclusive use over the Olympic Rings, the Olympic Flame, “Team USA” and “Sochi 2014.”  They vigorously enforce their trademark rights.  Running an advertising campaign with an Olympic related theme could result in a cease and desist order for trademark infringement.  The sponsorship opportunities to be associated with the Olympics are big business. Running a campaign that could mislead consumers into thinking there is an association between your company and the Olympic Committee is trademark infringement and could be an expensive misstep.