Commonwealth Act

Olympic Insignia Protection Act 1987

The Olympic Insignia Protection Act controls Olympic-related symbols and branding in merchandise, ads and promotions.

In forceCommonwealthPlain-English guide4 practical checks

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Check the linked official source before you rely on a specific section, and get advice for your situation.

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Quick read

The Olympic Insignia Protection Act protects Olympic symbols and related insignia.
For small businesses, the practical risk is marketing or merchandise that suggests an Olympic connection without permission, even where the business is only trying to run a timely...

Likely relevant if

Businesses selling merchandise, apparel or souvenirs
Marketing teams referencing Olympic themes or symbols
Event, hospitality and tourism businesses running Olympic-adjacent campaigns

Check first

Check Olympic symbols, protected expressions and event-related imagery before commercial use.
Avoid marketing that implies official sponsorship, endorsement or association without permission.
Review merchandise, packaging, ads, social content and marketplace listings before launch.

Event language can imply endorsement

Businesses often want to make timely campaigns around major events. The risk is that a clever promotion can look like it is officially connected with the Olympic movement when it is not.

This Act sits beside trade mark, copyright, consumer law and platform rules. The practical question is whether customers may think the business has permission, sponsorship or endorsement.

Key points

Avoid protected Olympic symbols and official-looking event language unless authorised.
Review merchandise, ads, hashtags, packaging and landing pages together.
Check whether the campaign implies sponsorship, approval or official association.

Higher-risk uses

Use	Why it matters
Merchandise	Apparel, souvenirs and product packaging can imply official event rights.
Social campaigns	Hashtags, images and captions can create a sponsorship impression.
Venue promotions	Hospitality, travel and viewing-event campaigns can look event-affiliated.
Marketplace listings	Platform rules may remove listings even before a court dispute exists.

Operator lessons

Key takeaways

Use ordinary sports language instead of protected event branding where possible.
Keep clearance records for event imagery, symbols, music, athlete photos and slogans.
Do not imply sponsorship, approval or official association unless it is true.
Get legal help before launching Olympic-adjacent merchandise or ads.

Plain-English glossary

Olympic insignia: Protected Olympic signs, symbols or related expressions covered by the Act.
Commercial use: Use in business, advertising, goods, services, promotions or other commercial settings.
Official association: A connection, sponsorship or authorisation that customers may think exists if branding is used carelessly.

Common questions

Can my business run an Olympic-themed promotion?

Maybe, but Olympic words, symbols, images and implied association need careful checking. Generic sports language is safer than suggesting an official connection.

Is this only about counterfeit merchandise?

No. Merchandise is a big issue, but advertising, sponsorship claims, social posts and event-adjacent promotions can also create risk.

How Sprintlaw can help

Trade Mark Registration Regulatory Compliance