The content on this page and other DCITA document archive pages is provided to assist research and may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application. See the full archive disclaimer.
Beware the sting in the sign of the times
While it's easy to get caught up in the pre-Olympic buzz, cultural organisations are being warned to be careful how they promote themselves in the lead-up to the September games. Essentially the message is: don't not use words or images associated with the 2000 Olympic Games unless authorised to do so.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) owns the Olympic torch design, the Olympic rings, the motto and various associated images. Under a joint marketing agreement, the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) has the right to use certain of these designs and may, along with the AOC, prosecute unauthorised uses.
According to Art and Law, the newsletter of the Arts Law Centre of Australia: 'The main target is the unauthorised use of words or images that falsely imply an official connection or sponsorship with the Games. However, other uses may sometimes be caught as well. These could include protest art, parody and the activities of local groups celebrating the Olympics'. (Issue 4, 1999)
The newsletter says that legislation potentially gives the AOC (and SOCOG) the power to prohibit protest art incorporating Olympic insignia on a range of 'articles' including t-shirts and perhaps even billboard posters.
Legislation also protects the Games from suppliers who seek to associate their goods and services with the Olympics without paying official sponsorship rights. Words such as 'Share the Spirit', the 'Millennium Games' and 'Games City' are protected, as are images such as photographs of athletes, greeting cards using the 'rainbow banner' or other images that allude to a connection with the Games.
Contact
For legal advice on the use of Olympic and Sydney 2000 Games words and insignia, contact Arts Law Centre on (02) 9356 2566 or toll free on 1800 221 457.