Inspectors have uncovered 1,556 trademark violation cases involving the Beijing Olympics. Of these, 428 cases have been uncovered since the beginning of 2006. The figures were released by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce’s trademark bureau. Violations include the illegal use of Olympic slogans, logos, and other trademarks.

The 1,128 cases before 2006 involved goods worth $1.9 million, incurring fines of $1.1 million. No monetary figures were reported for the cases since 2006.

Trademarked products stand to generate significant revenue for the Beijing Games. Sale of licensed products, brought in about $300 million at the last Olympics. Host cities keep 10 to 15% of the royalties.

Chinese officials have sought to quash fears of widespread faking of Olympic branded items. Li Dongsheng, an administration deputy director, said the organization had registered the seven main Beijing Olympic trademarks, including the ‘friendlies’, a set of five Olympic mascots. Plans are moving forward to register 69 other Olympic trademarks, including the torch design.
Source: Houston Chronicle