> Can I print the Olympic Rings?

Can I print the Olympic Rings?

Posted at: 2015-05-07 
"Could I be sued?" Yes. Any unauthorized use of a registered trademark (work or picture) can result in a nasty cease-and-desist letter. Though the NFL acts within its rights, its aggressiveness against unauthorized use of "Super Bowl" is second to none. That's why no one refers to the "Super Bowl" in advertising except those authorized to do so, such as the sports broadcast networks, and even then only under certain conditions. Everyone else -- like electronics & furniture retailers and beverage & snacks trying to sell stuff for the Super Bowl -- will refer to it as "The Big Game on Feb 2" or the like. The only companies that use the term "Super Bowl" have paid the NFL for the right to use its trademark. So yes, you could be sued.

The other question you need to ask is "Will I be sued?" My answer to this is probably not, I guess. It's bad public relations for huge entity to sic its lawyers for very benign and harmless trademark infringement. Also, they haven't stopped the Special Olympics from using the term "Olympics", a use that's far more damaging to the Olympic trademark than what you have in mind. (Long story.) The disclaimer will definitely help your cause. Yeah, I equivocate, but consider this: the International Olympic Committee can't sue you if it never learns about what you're doing. And I promise not to tell.

The IOC can be very possessive of their images, but as long as you are not too big you will not attract their attention.

Meaning that, if you are doing something local and not getting rich they will not want their share.

It is the most "copyrighted" logo in the world. They will sue you for using that in your business or other things.

just print it out. I don't think theres a problem.

If I have the goal of making it to the Olympics and am building a spread sheet or flyer stating what I am doing daily to try and make it to the Olympics, can I use the rings on my page?. I would state that it is a registered mark of the IOC. And I am in no way affiliated with them. But rather just listing it as my life goal. Is that covered under the fair trade act? Could I be sued?