As the Olympic Games approach the starting line, brands are sprinting to align their marketing strategies with the spirit of the Games. However, with this immense opportunity comes the perilous reality of a complex legal circuit. How can brands leverage the excitement of the Olympics without being disqualified or worse, fined? What are the key pitfalls to avoid, and how can previous case studies inform better practices? Manny Roberts and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor from Lewis Silkin recently sat down to discuss these critical issues, offering insights into the pitfalls of ambush marketing, lessons from past incidents, and essential strategies for brands and agencies striving to win gold this summer while staying compliant with the laws and regulations.
As the Olympic Games approach the starting line, brands are sprinting to align their marketing strategies with the spirit of the Games. However, with this immense opportunity comes the perilous reality of a complex legal circuit. How can brands leverage the excitement of the Olympics without being disqualified or worse, fined? What are the key pitfalls to avoid, and how can previous case studies inform better practices? Manny Roberts and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor from Lewis Silkin recently sat down to discuss these critical issues, offering insights into the pitfalls of ambush marketing, lessons from past incidents, and essential strategies for brands and agencies striving to win gold this summer while staying compliant with the laws and regulations.
Eiffel Tower and Olympic Rings
Did you know that the Olympics, Paralympics, and iconic French landmarks like the Eiffel Tower are safeguarded by stringent intellectual property laws? The use of Olympic symbols, terms like “Olympic Games,” and the Paralympic logo without authorisation constitutes trademark infringement and can lead to severe legal repercussions. For instance, the Eiffel Tower at night, illuminated, is a protected image, and unauthorised commercial use can result in significant fines. Similarly, portraying athletes in their official kits or using footage from Olympic events without permission is prohibited. This protection extends to all marketing activities, including advertisements, promotions, and even social media posts, to prevent unauthorised associations and ensure that only official sponsors benefit from the event’s goodwill.
Eiffel Tower and Olympic Rings
Did you know that the Olympics, Paralympics, and iconic French landmarks like the Eiffel Tower are safeguarded by stringent intellectual property laws? The use of Olympic symbols, terms like “Olympic Games,” and the Paralympic logo without authorisation constitutes trademark infringement and can lead to severe legal repercussions. For instance, the Eiffel Tower at night, illuminated, is a protected image, and unauthorised commercial use can result in significant fines. Similarly, portraying athletes in their official kits or using footage from Olympic events without permission is prohibited. This protection extends to all marketing activities, including advertisements, promotions, and even social media posts, to prevent unauthorised associations and ensure that only official sponsors benefit from the event’s goodwill.
“In France, certain landmarks are covered by local laws as well. The Eiffel Tower, for example, you can usually use the Eiffel Tower as an image in the daytime, but if you use the image of the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s illuminated, that is actually protected by special rules.”
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
“In France, certain landmarks are covered by local laws as well. The Eiffel Tower, for example, you can usually use the Eiffel Tower as an image in the daytime, but if you use the image of the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s illuminated, that is actually protected by special rules.”
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
Understanding Ambush Marketing
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor from Lewis Silkin explains ambush marketing as creating an illusion of association with the Olympics without the proper authorisation. He mentions, “Ambush marketing can be described as creating a false or misleading impression of an association between a brand or an advertiser and an event.” This often involves unauthorised use of protected symbols, terminology, or imagery associated with the Games. He further clarifies that there isn’t a strict legal definition for ambush marketing, making it a grey area that brands must navigate cautiously. This approach, while tempting, can backfire legally and reputationally if not carefully navigated.
Understanding Ambush Marketing
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor from Lewis Silkin explains ambush marketing as creating an illusion of association with the Olympics without the proper authorisation. He mentions, “Ambush marketing can be described as creating a false or misleading impression of an association between a brand or an advertiser and an event.” This often involves unauthorised use of protected symbols, terminology, or imagery associated with the Games. He further clarifies that there isn’t a strict legal definition for ambush marketing, making it a grey area that brands must navigate cautiously. This approach, while tempting, can backfire legally and reputationally if not carefully navigated.
“The key thing about the special Olympic protection is that using those marks and symbols isn’t just a breach which will give rise to some sort of civil claim against you. It’s also a criminal offence to use those Olympic marks without permission.”
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
“The key thing about the special Olympic protection is that using those marks and symbols isn’t just a breach which will give rise to some sort of civil claim against you. It’s also a criminal offence to use those Olympic marks without permission.”
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
Types of Ambush Marketing
Ambush marketing manifests in two main forms: ambush by intrusion and ambush by association.
Ambush by intrusion involves brands physically infiltrating an event to gain exposure. A notable example is the Bavarian beer company’s stunt at a World Cup match, where women dressed in branded attire were strategically positioned in the stadium to attract camera attention. This resulted in their ejection from the venue and the arrest of the organisers highlighting the risks associated with such direct tactics.
Ambush by association, on the other hand, subtly implies a connection to the event without direct claims. An example is Paddy Power’s clever yet controversial ad campaign during the London Olympics, which implied sponsorship without explicitly stating it. This tactic can be legally risky, as it treads the fine line between creative marketing and trademark infringement.
Types of Ambush Marketing
Ambush marketing manifests in two main forms: ambush by intrusion and ambush by association.
Ambush by intrusion involves brands physically infiltrating an event to gain exposure. A notable example is the Bavarian beer company’s stunt at a World Cup match, where women dressed in branded attire were strategically positioned in the stadium to attract camera attention. This resulted in their ejection from the venue and the arrest of the organisers highlighting the risks associated with such direct tactics.
Ambush by association, on the other hand, subtly implies a connection to the event without direct claims. An example is Paddy Power’s clever yet controversial ad campaign during the London Olympics, which implied sponsorship without explicitly stating it. This tactic can be legally risky, as it treads the fine line between creative marketing and trademark infringement.
Real-World Examples and Best Practices
Several high-profile cases highlight the risks and repercussions of ambush marketing:
Beats by Dre at London Olympics
Beats distributed headphones to athletes, who then promoted them on social media, leading to a crackdown by the IOC. This example illustrates the risk of ambush by intrusion and the importance of adhering to official sponsorship guidelines.
North Face at Sochi Olympics
The brand faced legal action for its “Sochi Village” collection, which implied an association with the Olympic Village. This case underscores the dangers of ambush by association and the need for clear, non-infringing marketing strategies.
Zippo at Sochi Olympics
After a spectator used a Zippo lighter to relight the Olympic torch, Zippo launched a campaign with the hashtag #ZippoSavesOlympics. Despite the initial buzz, the campaign was swiftly shut down due to unauthorised use of Olympic imagery and terminology.
“Ambush marketing can be described as creating a false or misleading impression of an association between a brand or an advertiser and an event.”
Geraint Lloyd-Taylor
Real-World Examples and Best Practices
Several high-profile cases highlight the risks and repercussions of ambush marketing:
Beats by Dre at London Olympics
Beats distributed headphones to athletes, who then promoted them on social media, leading to a crackdown by the IOC. This example illustrates the risk of ambush by intrusion and the importance of adhering to official sponsorship guidelines.
North Face at Sochi Olympics
The brand faced legal action for its “Sochi Village” collection, which implied an association with the Olympic Village. This case underscores the dangers of ambush by association and the need for clear, non-infringing marketing strategies.
Zippo at Sochi Olympics
After a spectator used a Zippo lighter to relight the Olympic torch, Zippo launched a campaign with the hashtag #ZippoSavesOlympics. Despite the initial buzz, the campaign was swiftly shut down due to unauthorised use of Olympic imagery and terminology.
Winning Gold in Marketing
By understanding and respecting the legal boundaries, brands can create impactful marketing campaigns that celebrate the spirit of the Olympics while maintaining compliance with the rules. If you’re unsure about areas of the law or want to make sure your campaign is ready to win gold, consulting with legal experts is crucial. The IPM’s legal team provides expert guidance to make sure your association with the excitement of the Olympics is both effective and lawful. Members can also access the full discussion between Geraint Lloyd-Taylor and Manny Roberts in the IPM’s member area.
Winning Gold in Marketing
By understanding and respecting the legal boundaries, brands can create impactful marketing campaigns that celebrate the spirit of the Olympics while maintaining compliance with the rules. If you’re unsure about areas of the law or want to make sure your campaign is ready to win gold, consulting with legal experts is crucial. The IPM’s legal team provides expert guidance to make sure your association with the excitement of the Olympics is both effective and lawful. Members can also access the full discussion between Geraint Lloyd-Taylor and Manny Roberts in the IPM’s member area.
IPM Legal Advisory Service
If you need expert guidance to navigate these complexities and ensure your promotions are compliant, contact the IPM Legal Advisory Service for professional support.
News
What Do Brits Want from Promotions in 2026
Get ready to unpack the promotional marketing landscape for 2026 as Mando, YouGov and the IPM prepare to launch What Brits Want from Promotions 3.0...
IPM Brings AI Marketing Debate to Westminster
AI in marketing goes on trial at the House of Commons, as MPs and industry leaders debate whether it is a partner or disruptor to promotional marketing.
Piccadilly Lights Goes from Billboard Icon to Experiential Capital
Piccadilly Lights, once the crown jewel of billboard advertising, is now the beating heart of experiential marketing in London, where brands don’t just advertise, they immerse.
News
What Do Brits Want from Promotions in 2026
Get ready to unpack the promotional marketing landscape for 2026 as Mando, YouGov and the IPM prepare to launch What Brits Want from Promotions 3.0...
IPM Brings AI Marketing Debate to Westminster
AI in marketing goes on trial at the House of Commons, as MPs and industry leaders debate whether it is a partner or disruptor to promotional marketing.
Piccadilly Lights Goes from Billboard Icon to Experiential Capital
Piccadilly Lights, once the crown jewel of billboard advertising, is now the beating heart of experiential marketing in London, where brands don’t just advertise, they immerse.
