2010 Olympic Games to hire Internet spies
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Anyone unlawfully using the words “friend,” “gold medal” and “driven by nature” could soon find themselves tracked down by the word watchdog that VANOC, organizers for the 2010 Winter Games, are hoping to hire.
As of last month, those seemingly innocuous phrases are among the 482 words and phrases covered by an amendment to federal trademark law to protect the investment of officials sponsors.
VANOC has posted a request for proposals for such a company on its website, noting that applicants would likely use computer systems to scan the Internet, as well as offer “human analysis” of any possible infringements.
The company would also monitor billboards, street furniture and transit vehicles.
