The Controversy of Fake Nike Apparel at the London Olympics

The Incident Unfolds

On July 27, 2012, the Economic Voice reported that the London Olympics had barely begun when a series of mishaps started to surface. One of the most glaring issues was the Egyptian delegation's use of counterfeit Nike gear. The sight of the Nike logo paired with an Adidas zipper left many spectators and officials in shock. Nike responded by sending a warning letter to the Egyptian Olympic Committee, demanding an immediate halt to the use of these fake products. However, the response from the Egyptian side was less than satisfactory.

The Egyptian Olympic Committee's Response

The Egyptian Olympic Committee claimed ignorance regarding the counterfeit nature of the apparel. They insisted that the clothes were purchased through legitimate channels at a cost of $300 per person. This response did little to quell the outrage, especially from Nike, which emphasized that the counterfeit items did not meet the product standards required for the Olympic Games.

The Role of the International Olympic Committee

Many observers felt that the IOC should have taken responsibility for this issue. Zhao Zhen, a senior sports media professional, suggested that the political instability in Egypt might have contributed to the oversight. He noted that changes in IOC personnel often occur during political turmoil, which could lead to lapses in professionalism and oversight.

The Importance of Sponsorship and Brand Protection

Zhang Zhenpeng, Deputy General Manager of the Beijing Expo and a former member of the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, highlighted the importance of the IOC's sponsorship system. This system includes major brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, which are given key protections during the Games. For instance, volunteers and staff are required to wear Adidas, dining facilities use McDonald's, and Coca-Cola is the exclusive beverage provider. The use of rival brands like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pepsi is strictly prohibited.

The Broader Implications

The incident with the Egyptian athletes underscores the broader issue of counterfeit goods in sports. According to a report by the International Trademark Association, counterfeit goods account for approximately 3.3% of global trade, amounting to $509 billion annually (source: International Trademark Association). The sports industry is particularly vulnerable, with counterfeit sportswear and equipment making up a significant portion of this trade.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the fake Nike apparel at the London Olympics serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by major brands in protecting their intellectual property. It also highlights the need for stringent oversight and professionalism within organizations like the IOC to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Interesting Stats

• Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit goods account for 3.3% of global trade, amounting to $509 billion annually (International Trademark Association).
• Olympic Sponsorship: The IOC's sponsorship deals are worth billions, with companies like Coca-Cola and Samsung investing heavily to be associated with the Games (Forbes).

The author is a Nike Shox R4 enthusiast who believes in the power of dreams and determination. For those interested in purchasing Nike products, visit Nike's official website.