Organizing and hosting the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi are legally regulated.
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What are the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
In accordance with Art. 7 of Federal Law dd. December 1, 2007, No. 310-ФЗ "On the Organization and Staging of the ХХII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in the city of Sochi, the Development of the city of Sochi as an Alpine Climatic Resort and the Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", "Olympics Marks" include designations “Олимпийский”, “Олимпиада”, “Сочи 2014”, “Olympic”, “Olympian”, “Olympiad”, “Olympic Winter Games”, “Olympic Games”, “Sochi 2014”, “Паралимпийский”, “Паралимпиада”, “Paralympic”, “Paralympian”, “Paralympiad”, “Paralympic Winter Games” and “Paralympic Games”the Olympic symbol (five rings) and the Paralympic symbol (the agitos), the Olympic flame, Torch, Flag, Anthem, Motto and Paralympic Flag, Anthem, and Motto, emblems, symbols and Sochi 2014 Games designations or images resembling them, as well as emblems and symbols of previous and future Olympic and Paralympic Games. It also includes works of art, musical, literary and other works containing Olympic marks and/or Paralympic marks or any elements used to designate the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The majority of Olympic and Paralympic Mark items are protected as registered trademarks.
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What are the brands of the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
The brands of the Olympic and Paralympic Games comprise positive characteristics, expectations and associations that are identified with the Olympic and Paralympic movement and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Why do we protect the brands of the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
There is no international brand as influential as the five Olympic rings. They symbolise the unity of the world and sport, the pursuit for perfection. Research proves that the Olympic rings are the most recognisable symbol on this planet.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games open up numerous opportunities for business development. Being the most important sports event in every 4 years they draw attention of 4.5 billion spectators worldwide. Exclusivity of opportunities is the basis for marketing programmes of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, which is effectively protected worldwide.
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What are the legal foundations for protecting the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
Having won the right to host the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in Sochi, the Russian Federation concurrently took on a number of international obligations in the area of brand protection for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In this regard, the
Olympic Law
(No. 310-ФЗ "On the Organization and Staging of the ХХII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi, the Development of Sochi as an Alpine Climatic Resort and the Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation") was adopted, establishing a list and particular usage regulations for the Olympic and Paralympic Marks. Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee is the holder of exclusive rights for usage and management of these marks, officially representing the interests of the IOC and IPC in Russia.
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Who can use the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
Usage rights for the Olympic and Paralympic Marks were obtained in Russia exclusively by
Marketing Partners
and
Licensees
of the IOC and ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014", as well as organizations that have concluded a licensing agreement with ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014".
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Can I use the marks in my business activity (in advertising, in names or appearance of goods, the names of services, dishes, etc.)?
No, unless approved otherwise by ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014". Attempts to benefit from association with the brands of the Olympic or Paralympic Games without a partner or licensing agreement (including sale of merchandise and advertising), is illegal and will result in incurrence of liability.
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Can I organise an event in support of the Olympic or Paralympic Games (competitions, concert, motor rally, etc.) featuring Olympic or Paralympic Marks?
are to have written permission from ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014".
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What are the possible consequences of a violation of the usage regulations for the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
A violation of the usage regulations for the Olympic and Paralympic Marks, including registered trademarks, will incur a penalty for the guilty parties in the form of civil penalties, administrative and criminal liability.
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Are there exceptions to the ban on the use of the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
No.
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Is it possible to make up a sports advertisement during the period of organising and staging of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi without violating the Marks usage rules?
Yes, but such advertisement should not create any associations with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Use of Olympic and Paralympic Marks in these advertisements is prohibited except for Sochi 2014 Marketing Partners.
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Can I use images of the Olympic venues?
Use of the Olympic venues’ images is allowed for informational purposes only. Use of the Olympic venues’ images for commercial or advertising purposes is prohibited.
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My company supplies goods or provides services to in Sochi 2014. Can I reveal information about the fact that I am a supplier/contractor?
No. In accordance with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Marketing Program requirements, as well as confidentiality agreements, only
Marketing Partners
of the IOC and ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014" have the right to associate their business with the Olympic and Paralympic Games brands.
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Can I put up a link on my website to the official site of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi (www.sochi2014.com)?
Yes, but only for informational purposes and it should be text format. Use of the logos or other graphic elements of the Marks is forbidden. Placement of links for commercial or advertising purposes is prohibited.
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Is the usage of images or video footage from previous Olympic or Paraylmpic Games permitted?
Material from previous Olympic or Paralympic Games may be used only with the permission of the rights holder. The usage of such material intended to crate association with the Olympic and Paralympic Games brands without written permission from the IOC or ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014" is forbidden (except for Marketing Partners of the IOC and ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014").
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Can I use images of the athletes / participants of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in Sochi in advertising?
Please see the rules on the usage of images of athletes.
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Can I register a company that uses the Olympic or Paralympic designations in its name?
No.
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Can I use designations that are listed as the Olympic or Paralympic Marks in a domain name?
No, in accordance with Art. 7 of Federal Law No. 310-ФЗ, the usage of Olympic or Paralympic Marks in domain names is forbidden.
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What are the restrictions on advertising and commercial activities during the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi?
During the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi, placement (distribution) of outdoor advertising at Olympic venues, advertising inside Olympic venues, at sites of sports events and ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games or within one thousand meters from the perimeter of these venues and sites, as well as in the air space there above, shall be permitted only provided that an agreement to this effect has been concluded either with the International Olympic Committee or an IOC-authorized organization, or the International Paralympic Committee or an IPC-authorized organization. This regulation also applies to other forms of commercial activities.
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Can non-profit organizations and private persons use the Olympic or Paralympic Marks in their activities?
No, only non-commercial partners of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi were given this right.
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Can the Olympic or Paralympic Marks be used by individuals for private purposes?
Yes, provided they are used for private purposes only.
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Can I organise sports competitions (for example “Mini-Olympics”) featuring Olympic and Paralympic Marks or similar symbols?
Unfortunately, no. There is only one Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the staging of events such as "mini-Olympic Games", for example, negatively affects the Games' image.
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Can I conduct a school drawing competition among in support of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi?
Yes, for non-commercial purposes only, provided the drawings are distinct from official licensed merchandise and the design makes it clear that this is a child’s design.
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Can I make myself a fan jersey for the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi with the use of the Olympic and Paralympic Marks?
No, if you want to support the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi, you should obtain an official licensed product (including clothing and accessories).
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Can I hand over certificates / medals / Cups with Olympic or Paralympic Marks as prizes?
Manufacturing of any product with the use of Olympic or Paralympic Marks is forbidden, however at non-profit events that have no commercial sponsors, the official licensed merchandise of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi may be used as prizes.
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Can I place the Olympic rings in front of bars/restaurants/sports clubs, etc.?
The placement of models or posters with the use of Olympic or Paralympic Marks (for example, a garden bed with flowers planted in the form of the Olympic rings, etc.) in support of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in Sochi in front of bars, restaurants, clubs and other establishments is forbidden.
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Can I organize an event in support of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi?
No, except for educational, sports or cultural activities approved by ANO "Organizing Committee "Sochi 2014". The event may be approved only when compliant with the following conditions:
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Can I organize public broadcast of the events of the XXII Olympic and XI Paralympic Games of 2014 in the city of Sochi?
No, broadcast of the Olympic and Paralympic Games may not be used for profit-making purposes. Direct broadcasts can be watched at Live Sites, located in major cities of the Russian Federation.