Advert ban for Olympic contractors

Contractors which have won work on the London 2012 Olympics have had to sign contracts forbidding them from advertising their involvement in the games.

The Financial Times reported that the contracts prevent firms from issuing press releases, running adverts, or any marketing or PR campaigns publicising links to the 2012 Games. Olympic logos are also banned.

The restrictions come under the 'No Marketing Rights Clauses' protocol, drawn up by the Olympic authorities.

The 32-page guidance website also bars the use of Olympic-related titles such as "London 2012 Coordinator", "Olympic Group", or "2012 Unit".

And it even attempts to influence the tone contractors adopt in internal communications to staff, stipulating that any mention of involvement in the Games "should be undertaken in an understated, proportionate and regular fashion".

Recruitment advertising also carries strict rules. For example, adverts looking for "Olympic builders" would not be allowed, but an advert titled "Drain layers wanted" with an explanation that applicants would work on the Olympic Park may be permitted.