2009+1....huh?
What's with the funny blog name "Idea Guy"? The short answer I can't legally use the year "2010" when discussing Olympic topics.
As soon as the calendar flipped to 2009, all things games related started to happen around here.
We've heard from a couple of Official Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors requesting quotes. So it became necessary to get educated, and fast ,about what we can and can not say. Long story short, if it has rings on it, we can't produce it. Sponsors can however, get thier logo on products from us, provided it has approval from VANOC.
This games will probably have the most emphasis yet on eliminating what is called "ambush marketing". This term is used when non licensees and sponsors try to use the games brand to further thier marketing adgenda.
Complying with VANOC and the rule of law is VERY important to us and we will be vigilant in advising our clientele about the legalities of branding during the next 18-24 months. Often times, people make a seemingly harmless decision and can end up in hot water.
In January we picked up the phone and called VANOC to learn more. We can't name who we spoke to but basically ANY reference to "2010", "Games", "Gold Medal", "Host City", "Sea to Sky" is illegal. So if you are a company in the Lower Mainland of BC, you can't legally can not put the year "2010" under your logo this year or next or make any clever reference to the games at all. There are over 160 words that have been copywrighted!
We encourage you to learn more here and download the "Protecting the Brand" booklet. We can also direct you to an official supplier as well. Call us to find out more.
As soon as the calendar flipped to 2009, all things games related started to happen around here.
We've heard from a couple of Official Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors requesting quotes. So it became necessary to get educated, and fast ,about what we can and can not say. Long story short, if it has rings on it, we can't produce it. Sponsors can however, get thier logo on products from us, provided it has approval from VANOC.
This games will probably have the most emphasis yet on eliminating what is called "ambush marketing". This term is used when non licensees and sponsors try to use the games brand to further thier marketing adgenda.
Complying with VANOC and the rule of law is VERY important to us and we will be vigilant in advising our clientele about the legalities of branding during the next 18-24 months. Often times, people make a seemingly harmless decision and can end up in hot water.
In January we picked up the phone and called VANOC to learn more. We can't name who we spoke to but basically ANY reference to "2010", "Games", "Gold Medal", "Host City", "Sea to Sky" is illegal. So if you are a company in the Lower Mainland of BC, you can't legally can not put the year "2010" under your logo this year or next or make any clever reference to the games at all. There are over 160 words that have been copywrighted!
We encourage you to learn more here and download the "Protecting the Brand" booklet. We can also direct you to an official supplier as well. Call us to find out more.
Labels: Ambush Marketing 2010, protecting the brand, VANOC
posted by BadCraiger at 1:27 PM
