Travel agent's Olympic bother
by Nadia Jefferson-Brown
A TRAVEL agent's Olympic dream is turning into a nightmare amid fears he might face legal action over a bid to capitalise on the 2012 Games.
Paul Smith, of Quartz Travel in Heworth, York, registered five internet domain names the day after London's successful bid was announced, including
www.olympicsinuk.com and
www.london2012beds.co.uk
His vision was to create online sites for people seeking travel and accommodation in the capital during the massive event, as well as attracting Olympic visitors to the York area.
The 31-year-old said the organisers did not act to protect the London 2012 trademark until the following day - but were now insisting he hand over the domain names.
He said it felt like "a kick in the teeth" after he and staff backed London's bid with displays in their window.
"It seems very unfair to insist that the names are handed over," protested Paul. "Why should the only businesses to be able to share in the Olympic success be large multinationals officially sanctioned by the organisers?
"Like everyone else in York, my taxes will go towards paying for the Olympics. Why shouldn't I be able to capitalise on a great business opportunity?"
He said: "I'm hoping the organisers will see reason and let this pass. They have plenty of other opportunities to sell sponsorship without the need to stop me trying to make a living."
He admitted he would not be able to fight the issue in court because of the "astronomical costs", but said he refused to just hand over the names.
An Olympic 2012 spokesman confirmed that its brand protection lawyer had asked Mr Smith to refrain from using the domain names, and was waiting to hear from him before considering further action.
He explained the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and British Olympic Association (BOA) are responsible for protecting the value of the Olympic brand.
That protection is set out in The Olympic Symbol etc. (Protection) Act 1995, and includes the use of words such as Olympian, Olympics, related words and symbols such as the five interlocking rings.
Steps are also being taken to protect the London 2012 brand.
"If we neglect to prevent unauthorised uses of our rights, the ability to offer sponsors an exclusive association with the Olympic Games would be compromised," said the spokesman, adding that more than £500 million was needed for the Games.
"A significant proportion of the revenue necessary to host the Games, which otherwise might have to come from the public purse, would be jeopardised. For these reasons, we cannot permit Paul Smith to use the domain names."
He said the BOA had powers to seek injunctions "to prevent any unauthorised commercial use of Olympic-related terminology and/or symbols, and to seek damages and/or an account of profits".
Updated: 10:47 Thursday, October 06, 2005
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