Organizers keen to protect Doha 2006 brand

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-30 10:16

Organizers of the 2006 Asian Games have vowed to deliver an intellectual property rights-friendly event.

"Without the protective measures we've put in place, anyone could produce our logo or likeness without guidelines. Additionally we must protect our sponsors and the investment they have made in the Games," said Jamal Abu Ghaida, head of the Intellectual Property Protection of the Olympic Council of Asia ( OCA).

Doha 2006 is the first Asian Games to have a tailor-made law to protect intellectual property rights.

Knowing the threats ambush marketing represents to the sustainability of the Games, the OCA developed commercial guidelines which all participants of the Games should follow. The guidelines were circulated to all participating NOCs last February.

Ghaida said that Qatari customs officers, police and government ministers are coordinating efforts with local organising committee DAGOC to ensure that unlicenced producers and vendors and inappropriate branding are stopped.

"During the Games a special DAGOC task force of volunteers, supported by Qatari police officers and OCA officials will monitor the venues for misuse of the Doha 2006 brand, ambush marketing and sale of counterfeit unofficial merchandise," he said.



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