London 2012 welcomes the Olympic and Paralympic Games Act

The Act introduces into UK law provisions which will significantly enhance LOCOG's ability to deliver the 2012 Games. In particular, the Act grants rights to LOCOG to prevent unauthorised associations with the Games (otherwise known as "ambush marketing").

"This is very welcome news and a tribute to the spirit of cross-party co-operation that this Bill has become an Act of Parliament less than nine months after we were awarded the 2012 Games," said Seb.

These provisions mean that only official sponsors and stakeholders of LOCOG and of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who contribute millions of pounds to the budget for the Games will be permitted to use Olympic or Games-related marks or associations in their promotions.

The Act reflects the legislative commitments made to the IOC by the Government during the bid and the requirements laid out in the IOC's Host City Contract signed after winning the right to host the Games. The speed of the passage of the Bill is also in keeping with the commitment made by the Government to the IOC during the bid stage that they would aim to introduce this law by spring 2006.

"The restrictions on unlawful advertising and ambush marketing are vital to LOCOG as sponsorship revenue is a key contributor to our £2billion operating budget," said Seb.

"To achieve our operating budget, it is imperative that a clean advertising environment is created to give full assurances to LOCOG's and the IOC's official partners that their association with the Games is unique and will not be undermined. If unofficial organisations abuse the use of our logo, the Olympic rings and the uniqueness of the rights relating to the Games, the value of our sponsorship deals will be reduced. LOCOG would then have to look elsewhere to meet any operating shortfall."

The Act also sets up the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the public sector body which is responsible for building the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.

Seb Coe also welcomed the formal establishment of the ODA. "The ODA will perform a crucial role in delivering the infrastructure for the Games. They have an excellent interim team in place, led by Jack Lemley and David Higgins, and LOCOG looks forward to working closely with them in the run-up to 2012 to deliver the best Games ever."

The new legislation also:

• Makes ticket touting in relation to the Games a criminal offence
• Grants the ODA planning powers
• Allows for the Olympic Route Network to be established to assist in the speedy transport of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials to Games venues
• Allows for the control of outdoor advertising and street trading in the vicinity of Games venues to ensure the Games are not over-commercialised
• Grants the Mayor of London a Games-specific power to enable him to fulfil his obligations under the Host City Contract
  

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:

The text of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act can be accessed at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts.htm.

LOCOG and the ODA are the two main bodies responsible for delivering the Games, both organisations are co-located at offices in Canary Wharf, east London.

For further information, contact the London 2012 Press Office on 0203 2012 101.