100 years after the introduction of the motto (and EU trade mark) 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' -Faster, Higher, Stronger-, the Games return to Paris, symbolising a grand celebration of sports, human potential, international cooperation…and IP.
From the trade marks of various brands worn by athletes to the designs of running shoes and the soles of sneakers used in sprint races, the Olympics highlight the significance of Intellectual Property. Everywhere you look at. Even the equipment such as the shot put, javelin and hurdles are protected by EU trade marks and/or registered community designs. Moreover, athletes capitalize on trade marks to protect their names, logos, and even iconic poses.