59.1-92.21 - Olympic symbols. - Virginia Statutes

§ 59.1-92.21. Olympic symbols.

A. Without the permission of the United States Olympic Committee, a personshall not, for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of goods or services,or to promote a theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition,use:

1. The symbol of the International Olympic Committee, consisting of fiveinterlocking rings;

2. The emblem of the United States Olympic Committee, consisting of anescutcheon having a blue chief and vertically extending red and white bars onthe base with five interlocking rings displayed on the chief;

3. A trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representingassociation with or authorization by the International Olympic Committee orthe United States Olympic Committee; or

4. The words "Olympic," "Olympiad," or "Citius Altius Fortius" or acombination or simulation of those words that tends to cause confusion ormistake, to deceive, or to suggest falsely a connection with the UnitedStates Olympic Committee or an Olympic activity.

B. Any person who actually used the emblem described in subdivision A 2, orthe words, or any combination thereof, described in subdivision A 4, for anylawful purpose prior to September 21, 1950, shall not be prohibited by thissection from continuing such lawful use for the same purpose and for the samegoods or services. In addition, any person who actually used, or whoseassignor actually used, any other trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, orinsignia described in subdivisions A 3 and A 4 for any lawful purpose priorto September 21, 1950, shall not be prohibited by this section fromcontinuing such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods orservices.

C. On violation of subsection A, the United States Olympic Committee isentitled to the remedies available to a registrant on infringement of a markregistered under this chapter.

(1998, c. 819.)