With the London 2012 Olympics taking the world by storm, many are joining the bandwagon by using the Olympic brand and symbols illegally. Now, UK-based artist Craig Atkinson has started to document those rule breakers in his 'Illegal Olympics' Photo Series.
According to the London 2012 website, filed under 'Using the Brand,' there are strict guidelines for using the Olympic brand. Essentially, the website outlines that no one can use anything similar, easily mistaken or something that looks like any of the following: The Olympic Symbol, The word 'London 2012,' The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Emblems, The Olympic Motto: 'Citius Altius Fortius' / 'Faster Higher Stronger' and many, many more.
Atkinson is set to soon publish a book containing these photographs of the illegal uses of the Olympic name and he is asking anyone to submit their own found photographs of anyone using the Olympic brand illegally.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Illegal Olympic Branding
- Opportunity to create stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent unauthorized use of Olympic branding.
- Photographic Documentation
- Increase in demand for artists and photographers to document cultural phenomena like the illegal use of Olympic branding.
- Community Participation
- Opportunity for individuals to contribute by submitting their own photographs of illegal Olympic branding, creating a collaborative photographic project.
Where This Applies
- Law Enforcement
- Need for legal professionals to develop strategies and regulations to address unauthorized use of Olympic branding.
- Publishing
- Growing market for books and publications featuring documentation of social and cultural events, like the 'Illegal Olympics' photo series.
- Marketing and Branding
- Increased demand for marketers to ensure proper use of official Olympic branding and prevent unauthorized use by copycats.
