Don’t congratulate #TeamCanada at #Rio2016: Olympic social media rules in Canada

By Karen Sie (CA) and Brian Gray (CA) on August 9, 2016 Posted in Advertising, Trademark

With the Rio Olympics well underway, Canadian brands need to be aware of the “do’s and don’ts” of advertising and social media content involving the Olympics and Olympic athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) have long been aggressive in enforcing illicit use of the term “Olympics”, the five rings … Continue reading

In the UK, the first rule of the Olympics is: You don’t talk about the Olympics

By Farah Mukaddam (UK) on August 4, 2016 Posted in Advertising, Trademark

The Rio 2016 Olympics are upon us and will undoubtedly capture the attention, excitement and imagination of the public in the UK and globally. It is no surprise then that some businesses may seek to capitalise on the opportunity to promote their brands, products and services through advertising that references the Olympics, Team GB and … Continue reading

Social media risks during the Rio Games

By Saul Perloff (US) on August 1, 2016 Posted in Advertising, Trademark

In just four days, the world’s attention will turn to Rio de Janeiro and the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. At the same time, sports enthusiasts will turn to social media to express their support for the Games, for their countries’ teams and for their favorite athletes. Individuals, news outlets, and official Olympic sponsors are … Continue reading