Beijing to prevent Olympics 'ambush' marketing

The organizing committee for the Olympic Games, BOCOG, said it will boost efforts to prevent companies who are not official sponsors of the games from "ambushing" official sponsors, the Wall Street Journal reported. BOCOG announced on Tuesday that it would stop coordinated groups of spectators from wearing uniforms or branded clothing in Olympic venues this August. Audience members will be prevented from bringing drinks into venues, although products from sponsor Coca-Cola will be available. Authorities will also give priority to official sponsors on billboards in prominent locations, while athletes and coaches will need approval from Olympic officials before lending their images to marketers.