The parodies of the Beijing Olympic emblem and mascots on some websites constitute violations of the law and Olympic spirit, an official with the legal affairs department of Beijing Olympic organizer BOCOG said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Monday.

 

Recently, the Beijing Olympic emblem and mascots have suffered from constant parodies. Mischievous Internet users have mocked up and changed the emblem for the 2008 Beijing Olympics to public toilet signs and redesigned the five mascot Fuwas.

 

The official condemned the pranks, warning that BOCOG will keep a close eye on the latest developments and reserves the right of lawsuits against these illegal actions.

 

The emblem for the Beijing Olympics was unveiled in 2003 and the mascots in 2005. Both have been registered with the Beijing Municipal Copyright Bureau. BOCOG has acquired related intellectual property rights for trademarks, copyright and the Olympic logo.

 

The official said according to the country's copyright law, copyrights include the right of integrity. Works are protected against adaptation and alteration. As the copyright owner of the Beijing Olympic emblem and mascots, BOCOG possesses the right to protect them from distortion. The artists have violated laws.

 

In addition, the websites that post the parodies have increased their click rates by hosting these materials, profiting as well from a business standpoint. Their deeds also violate laws.

 

The official stressed the Olympic emblem and mascots represent the Olympic spirit and deserve respect. These pranks, he said, defame the Olympic spirit.

 

(CRI January 17, 2007)