From the Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Can an advertiser use a picture of the Olympic rings in an ad?

A: Not without a license to do so. Under federal law, terms and logos relating to the Olympic games – including the Olympic rings, other Olympic symbols and even the word “Olympic” – are protected.

Among other things, the Amateur Sports Act prohibits the commercial use (without permission from the U.S. Olympic Committee) of: 1) the five interlocking rings symbol (and other Olympic symbols, including the torch); 2) the USOC emblem (shield with red and white bars); 3) the words “Olympic,” “Olympiad,” “Citius Altius Fortius” (swifter, higher, stronger) or any combination of these terms in a way that tends to cause confusion or mistake, to deceive, or to falsely suggest a connection with any Olympic activity; and 4) any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, any Olympic committee or organization.

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