How to Ride the Olympic Wave in Your Marketing Without Infringing Trademarks
With the global sporting event in full swing, there’s a wealth of trends and memes emerging daily, providing endless inspiration for your marketing content.
However, it’s crucial to navigate this landscape carefully, especially when it comes to the trademarks associated with the event.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) protects various elements of the Olympic brand under international intellectual property rights. This protection covers specific words and phrases such as “Olympic Games,” “Olympic torch,” and “Paris 2024.” It also extends to logos and emblems, most notably the iconic Olympic rings, and certain footage and images associated with the Games.
For more detailed information on these protections, see here.
To avoid any legal issues, it’s essential to steer clear of these protected elements in your marketing materials. Always consult with a lawyer if you have any questions about the specifics of what you can and cannot use.
Creative Ways to Engage with the Spirit of the Global Event
Now, let’s dive into the fun part! Even without directly referencing the Games, you can still capture the excitement and themes they bring.
Below are some creative hooks and subject lines you can use in your content to resonate with your audience. Be sure to make them more specific so that they apply to your exact store, service, or product!
Reels:
- “Feeling the competitive spirit? Show us how you’re crushing it this summer!”
- “Celebrating global unity with our special summer collection!”
- “Summer vibes and top-notch performances—what are you aiming for this season?”
- “Level up your game with our [Product Name]—perfect for those aiming to reach new heights!”
- “Feeling inspired by the athletes? Swing by [Your Store] and gear up with our [Product Name]”
- “As you enjoy the games, don’t forget to support local champions—shop with us and find something special!”
Post Topics
- Highlight Global Inspirations: Share stories or products inspired by international trends or cultures.
Example: A local boutique showcases a new collection inspired by Japanese street fashion, Italian leather craftsmanship, or Brazilian beachwear. The post features images of the items along with a brief explanation of the cultural inspiration behind them. - Celebrate Personal Bests: Encourage followers to share their achievements or milestones, whether personal or related to your business.
Example: A local gym encourages members to share personal fitness milestones, such as lifting a new personal record or completing a challenging workout. The gym then features these achievements in their stories. - Local Talent Spotlight: Feature stories of local athletes or community heroes who exemplify dedication and excellence.
Example: A coffee shop highlights a barista who recently won a latte art competition. A bookstore features a local author who has published a new book. These posts include interviews, photos, or videos of the local talent. - Olympic-Themed Product Lineup: Showcase products that can be tied to the different sports or countries represented in the Olympics. Example: a bakery features treats inspired by international cuisines. A clothing store highlights activewear perfect for a summer of sports.
Newsletter Subject Lines
- “Join the Summer Celebration! Discover Our Global-Inspired Picks”
- “Achieving Excellence: Special Offers for Our Dedicated Customers”
- “This Summer, We’re All About Breaking Records and Reaching New Heights!”
These alternatives maintain the spirit of competition, achievement, and global unity without directly referencing the Olympic Games. This approach allows you to connect your existing business activities and community involvement with the excitement of the international event, all while adhering to IOC trademark restrictions. By doing so, you can effectively engage your audience using current events.
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