Overview of IP in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Intellectual Property plays a crucial role in the Olympic Games, where numerous IP rights are leveraged to protect the unique identity, brand, and commercial interests of the event. 

Have you ever wondered what are the most important IP products associated with the Olympics? Let's have a look.

Trademarks

One of the most recognized symbols globally is the five interlocking rings representing the union of the five inhabited continents. The rings are protected as a trademark, and unauthorized use is vigorously defended.

The Olimpic Motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is also trademarked. The motto was proposed by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, and was adopted in 1894 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was established.

A trademark protects the official slogan for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, which is "Games Wide Open" (in French, "Ouvrons Grand Les Jeux"). 

"Games Wide Open" signifies inclusivity and openness. The slogan is designed to reflect the idea of making the Games accessible to everyone, promoting diversity, and encouraging a spirit of participation that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of sport. 

It emphasizes the goal of Paris 2024 to create an event that is not just for athletes but also for the public, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with the Games and be a part of the Olympic experience.

Mascots: Each Olympic Games typically has a unique mascot, which is trademarked and used on merchandise, promotional materials, and various products.

The official mascots for the Paris 2024 Olympics are called the "Phryges". They are stylized versions of the Phrygian cap.

One Phryge represents the Olympic Games, while another represents the Paralympic Games. They have eyes, mouths, and limbs, giving them a lively and engaging appearance.

The Phrygian cap has been a symbol of freedom since the French Revolution and is featured in many French cultural and historical depictions, including the figure of Marianne, an emblem of the French Republic. The choice of this symbol for the mascots ties the Paris 2024 Olympics to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The mascots were introduced as part of the broader branding and marketing for the Paris Olympics, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and a connection to French history and culture.

The protection of Olympic logo is typically covered by a combination of trademark law, copyright law, and specific laws related to the protection of Olympic symbols.

In fact, the Paris 2024 Olympic logo is registered as a trademark with national and international trademark offices, ensuring that its use is restricted to authorized parties. This protection helps prevent unauthorized commercial use or reproduction of the logo by third parties.

As an original artistic creation, the logo is also protected by copyright law. This means that the creator (or the entity that owns the rights, such as the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee) holds exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the logo.

Many countries, including France, have specific legislation that offers additional protection to Olympic symbols and logos. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) works closely with host countries to ensure that there are robust legal frameworks in place to protect Olympic-related IP.

Unauthorized use of the Paris 2024 logo can lead to legal action, including injunctions to stop the infringement, financial penalties, and even criminal charges in some cases. The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, along with the IOC, actively monitors and enforces the protection of Olympic IP.

Copyright

Broadcasting Rights: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) owns the copyright to the broadcast of the games. This includes television coverage, live streaming, and recordings of the events. These rights are sold to broadcasters around the world for substantial sums.

The designs of the Olympic torch, medals, and other official emblems are protected by copyright. This extends to the design of venues and specific artistic elements used in the games' ceremonies. 

The Paris 2024 Olympic Torch is a symbol of the upcoming Games, designed with a strong connection to the themes of the Paris Olympics: equality, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.

The torch was designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. It has a sleek, modern appearance with a curved, symmetrical form that symbolizes harmony and equality. The torch is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, emphasizing inclusivity.

The torch is made from recycled aluminum, reflecting the Games' commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. This choice of material also gives the torch a distinctive, metallic look.

The design of the torch is inspired by the three symbolic concepts of the Paris 2024 Games: equality (represented by its perfect symmetry), water (its flowing curves echoing the River Seine), and peaceful energy (its gentle, flame-like form).

The torch is designed to keep the Olympic flame alight under various weather conditions, ensuring that the flame, a symbol of peace and unity, continues to burn brightly throughout its journey.

Music composed specifically for the Olympics, including themes and anthems used during ceremonies, is protected under copyright law.

Patents

Patents can cover innovations in sports equipment, training devices, and technologies used in the Games, such as timing systems or environmental technologies used in venues.

Venue Design and Construction Innovations: Patented construction techniques or materials used in building Olympic venues can be significant, especially with the focus on sustainability and legacy.

Design Rights

The design of official Olympic merchandise, such as apparel, souvenirs, and other products, is protected by design rights. This ensures that the official merchandise is unique and prevents counterfeit products.

The design of athletes’ uniforms and other gear, often created specifically for the Olympics by well-known designers, is protected to maintain exclusivity and brand integrity.

Trade Secrets

Event Management and Organizational Know-How: The processes and strategies developed by the IOC and local organizing committees to manage and execute the Games are often considered trade secrets. This includes everything from ticketing systems to security protocols.

Sponsorship Agreements and Marketing Strategies: Details of sponsorship deals and marketing strategies are also treated as trade secrets, providing competitive advantage to the IOC and its commercial partners.

Geographical Indications

While not directly linked to the Olympics, Geographical Indications (GIs) can come into play with products associated with host cities or countries. For instance, specific food and drink items served at the Games might be protected by GIs.

The Olympic Games are a global spectacle, and protecting the associated IP is essential for maintaining the event’s value and integrity. These IP rights not only protect the unique aspects of the Games but also generate significant revenue through licensing, broadcasting, and merchandising.