IOC Trademarks Part of Canadian National Anthem

Posted by kdawson on Tuesday September 30, 2008 @12:45PM from the can't-say-that-eh dept.

gravis777 sends us to BoingBoing for news that the International Olympic Committee has trademarked a line from the Canadian National Anthem and is threatening to sue anyone who uses it. The line in question is "with glowing hearts." "The committee is so serious about protecting the Olympic brand it managed to get a landmark piece of legislation passed in the House of Commons last year that made using certain phrases related to the Games a violation of law. The list includes the number 2010 and the word 'winter,' phrases that normally couldn't be trademarked because they are so general."

2 of 412 comments (clear)

Re:That's ok by rhsanborn · 2008-09-30 23:47 · Score: 0, Troll

You certainly weren't all that upset when it was dragging you up.
Re:What I have to say... by neoform · 2008-10-01 02:03 · Score: 0, Troll

They aren't attempting to patent the words. It has to do with rights for a certain use of the words.
Don't you love how intellectual property works? You and I no longer have permission (legally) to use the phrase "With Glowing Hearts" anywhere and at any time without permission from the IOC. Even in private conversations, since that would be infringing upon the IOC's rights to a phrase that they clearly own.

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