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Every four years the Summer Olympics dominates the news cycle, and now the Winter Olympics have become a must-see event in their own right. The 2026 winter games will be held in Italy from 6-22 February, and will be viewed by millions of people across the globe.

Your business may want to join in the conversation by mentioning the games in promotional materials, content or events. But if you plan on mentioning the Olympics, you’ll need to make sure you’re following the rules surrounding the use of the Olympic brand.

What are the rules?

Parts of the Olympic brand are protected by international intellectual property (IP) rights. Protected elements include:

  • words and phrases, like ‘Olympic games’ and ‘Olympic torch’
  • logos and emblems, like the Olympic rings
  • certain footage and images.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strict guidelines around the use of the Olympic brand for commercial purposes. Use of protected Olympic properties is restricted to the IOC and official Olympic partners, so be sure to check the official information to ensure your business is following the rules.

Learn more