The decree, signed by Beijing Mayor Liu Qi, stipulates that under strict protection are all the Olympics-related intellectual property in terms of logo, brand, patent and other productions of originators.

According to the decree, the five interlocking rings, Olympic anthem, and such terms as Olympics, Olympic, Olympiad and Olympic Games, don't allow of any form of infringement.

Besides, such things as mascot, brand, logo, anthem which belong to or are developed by the Chinese Olympic Committee, the 29th Beijing Olympic Games and Beijing organizing committee, will be all put under protection.

"The Olympics intellectual property rights protection is one of the basic factors to ensure a successful Games," said Wang Youpeng,Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Intellectual Property (BMBIP).

"The decree will provide a solid guarantee for the success of the Games," he added.

Wang said that Beijing Municipality has authorized BMBIP to take charge of the research, planning and coordination of the Olympics-related intellectual property protection.

The BMBIP will work along with other related administrative departments to combat the ambush marketing, but Wang said that they would first and foremost launch a great campaign to enhance the public awareness of the Olympics-related intellectual property rights protection.

"The decree will be promoted widely, and a hot line will be also set up so that the public can join in the fight against the ambush marketing," said Wang.

(eastday.com November 2, 2001)