Statement by the Australian Olympic Committee - Telstra

Yesterday in the Federal Court, the Honourable Justice Wigney handed down judgment in the matter of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) v Telstra. The AOC wishes to convey its appreciation to the Court for the expeditious manner in which the case was heard.

Disappointingly, the Court’s decision in this particular case has, on what the AOC considers to be a very narrow application of the law, gone against the interests of Australia's Olympic Teams". Despite finding that "there could be no doubt that Telstra intended to, and may well have succeeded in capitalising or exploiting, in a marketing sense, the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games", the Court did not consider that Telstra's "extensive marketing and advertising campaign which... is focused or themed around the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games" crossed the "fine line" by contravening the law.

Since the first Olympic Games in 1896, Australia has valued participation in the Olympics and has participated in every Summer edition. To cover the high cost of participation, the Australian Olympic Team is reliant on its sponsors and other commercial partners.

Preserving the ability to send a Team representing Australia to the Olympic Games is paramount and so the AOC will continue to protect its rights, as well as those of its sponsors and other commercial partners. We also encourage the public to support our sponsors’ products and services.

The Australian Olympic Team is grateful to its true, valued Partners, including the Worldwide Olympic Partners, who provide on-going support and tireless efforts to support them.

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