A PYMNTS Company

US: Olympic officials ask judge to dismiss antitrust lawsuit

By  |  February 28, 2016

US Olympic officials have asked a federal judge to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit filed by runner Nick Symmonds, who wants to wear the logo of a caffeinated chewing gum somewhere on his body during the upcoming Olympic trials.

Symmonds is suing the US Olympic Committee and USA Track and Field for the right to advertise Run Gum, which he co-founded.

The organizations have traditionally limited advertising to companies with whom they have exclusive sponsorship deals. This arrangement has been a continuing issue for athletes who have individual contracts with other brands.

Filing a motion to dismiss on Friday in U.S. District Court in Oregon, officials said existing policy allows them to raise money to support athletes nationwide.

“Run Gum seeks to free ride on the USOC’s activities and to appropriate for its own commercial purposes the brand, goodwill, and popular audience of the Olympic Trials,” the filing states. “That effort lacks any legal support, and it threatens the ability of the USOC to deliver on its mission.”

Full content: The Wall Street Journal

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.