Confusion over use of World Cup logos (01.04.2002)
TOKYO
Two months before the 2002 World Cup finals kick off, an increasing number of local governments that will host the training camps of participating teams remain confused over the use of the event`s logos, Daily Yomiuri reported.
FIFA strictly limits the use of logos to sponsors and municipal governments that will host matches. Officials are concerned that such restrictions might prevent local governments from actively promoting the event.
In February, Japan`s World Cup organizing committee (JAWOC) asked FIFA to allow local governments to use the event`s trademarks within their municipalities. However, the situation remains unresolved.
According to JAWOC officials, it might be problematic if a local
government undertakes promotions such as displaying a large banner reading, "(Name of city) is an official training camp site for (team name) in the 2002 FIFA World Cup." The officials said while a slogan such as "Good luck, (name) team!" would be permissible, the use of such words as "World Cup commemorative" could breach the trademark rights.
An official of the local government of Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, said at Tuesday`s meeting, "I didn`t know that we couldn`t use the title of the event."
The official reportedly was puzzled as the city government already had displayed a banner at a train station reading, "Congratulations! Hiratsuka to become a training camp site for the Nigerian team for the World Cup."
