I.O.C. trademark issues

[Kenny]

Hello friends,

I have tried searching the IOC pages for any reference on infringment of the Olympic name without learning what could or could not be a problem.

I own OlympicCoverage.com, reg'd with the thought a media group might find it attractive.

Can any member tell me for sure if this is infringing on IOC's trademarks or not? Do they in fact own EVERYTHING related to the word "Olympic".

Any members with knowledge of the laws regarding this issue please post the known facts so that I may either continue or quit trying to sell this DN.

Thank you, kp

 

[Jeff]

Here's a "Quick Start" here from the site:
http://namepros.com/showthread.php?t=44076

All the best!
-Jeff

 

[AdoptableDomains]

This is not legal advise, but from what I've read they do if it has anything to do with sports, competition, or anything remotely related.

You might get away with using "olympiccoverage" for an insurance company (insurance coverage), but I think you have a can of worms if it's for media coverage of THE olympic sports. The olympic committees vigorously enforce their trademarks.

You might want to read further here:
http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/swish....dig_udrp&metaname=swishdefault&sort=swishrank

http://www.wipo.int/search/en/query...lk=1&rf=0&oq=&rq=1&fs=&si=0&ht=100&qt=olympic

http://arbiter.wipo.int/cgi-bin/domains/search/DomainSearch?lang=eng&domain=olympic

 

[Kenny]

Yea CJ, Thanks, I went through all of that thread before I posted this and it was a bounty of information, I learned a great deal from it. My Thanks to those posting within it and to you for pointing it out.
And thanks AdoptableDomains for those links, they also explained a lot.....

Since my name reflects the basic reporting of a public event, and not something for sale, does it get a pass?


OlympicCoverage.com

... is this an infringment?

Should I ask the IOC directly or what?

Thanks,kp

 

[Mark]

It appears that anything with the word "Olympic" would be covered ~

 

[domainlab]

The basic problem with anything Olympic is that under trade mark law any terms / symbolism is unable to be registered by anyone other than the IOC and therin lies the problem - they are given monopoly rights on anything Olympic. Which means for domains they will always have the upper hand.

 

[aww]

The IOC even went after a club called Olympic that existed before the modern Olympics ever did and won. It's kinda crazy but they get very preferential treatment from WIPO and the courts. They have alot of internal nonsense and politics. On the trivia side, did you know the rings symbol used by the IOC is a Nazi invention? It's almost like parading a swastika around, but it's alot nicer looking so no one complains. So far no one has sued them over that but I'd like to see it happen someday if only to educate people.

 

[suthra]

The IOC even went after a club called Olympic that existed before the modern Olympics ever did and won. It's kinda crazy but they get very preferential treatment from WIPO and the courts. They have alot of internal nonsense and politics. On the trivia side, did you know the rings symbol used by the IOC is a Nazi invention? It's almost like parading a swastika around, but it's alot nicer looking so no one complains. So far no one has sued them over that but I'd like to see it happen someday if only to educate people.

Swastik is a hindu symbol.
A symbol for the Pranav mantra "OM"

 

[DNQuest.com]

Should I ask the IOC directly or what?

Thanks,kp

Instant notification for a C+D letter...

 

[suthra]

Instant notification for a C+D letter...

lol.,

Thatz right, its not advisable

 

[jberryhill]

It's been beat to death here before, but I'll mention it once more with feeling - Issues about the use of the term "Olympic" under US law are NOT trademark issues. They have their own law.

 

[Kenny]

Mr. Berryhill ~

Yes sir, I understand they live in "GOD MODE", and have never lost. Must be nice to be them. Does the *Coverage part, if that means the reporting by the free press of a public event, and not *t-shirts or souvaniers, give a news agency any chance to stand against them?
Without commiting yourself to the details, bro, a straight Philly boy answer, is this name sellable?

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and support and opinions, and not in the least for their time.

Jim, please..... Y or N

Peace, kp

 

[jberryhill]

Without commiting yourself to the details, bro, a straight Philly boy answer, is this name sellable?

I appreciate the sentiment, but one of the unfortunate aspects of practicing law is that one is always committed to one's answer. Specific legal advice can't be given on a bulletin board.

 

[Kenny]

Understood ~ Thank you Mr. Berryhill.

Putting the material together now.

Peace, kp

 

[DaddyHalbucks]

Sellable? No. That would probably be bad faith.

Develop your own product? Yes. Have a look at OLYMPIC STAIN.