The Canadian Government announced Friday it has introduced a bill in Canada’s Parliament that will provide special, time-limited intellectual property protection for Olympic and Paralympic words and symbols ahead of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Minister of Industry Maxime Bernier said, “Canada’s new government is a proud partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. By introducing this bill today we are demonstrating our continued commitment to VANOC and its efforts to secure private sector sponsorships, an important source of funding for the Games”.
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, David Emerson said, “hosting the 2010 Winter Games will provide Canadian businesses from coast to coast with significant economic benefits. The sustained growth in numbers of foreign visitors, construction of Games-related sport and event venues, and the potential for increased sales at home and abroad are only a few examples of the positive impacts the Games will have on Canada’s economy and our international reputation”.
The bill will enable VANOC to maximize sponsorship opportunities by strengthening existing trademark protection over Olympic and Paralympic marks and by preventing non-sponsors from advertising in a manner that falsely suggests a business connection with the Games (known as “ambush marketing”).
