Nu Skin and Pharmanex are Official Sponsors of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, 2002 Paralympic Games, and the 2000–2004 U.S. Olympic Teams. These two companies have an exclusive sponsorship for direct marketing. Therefore, other direct marketing companies such as Amway or Mary Kay cannot become licensees, suppliers, or sponsors of these games and teams. Sponsorship grants domestic rights to the games and team marks. Rights are limited to the U.S. territory only—American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are excluded from these rights. Other direct marketing companies can buy rights in other countries.
For example, Amway is a sponsor of the Japan Olympic Team but they cannot represent their sponsorship of this team in the United States or as part of the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.Why is Big Planet not a sponsor?
Big Planet could not be included in our sponsorship because exclusive sponsors already exist in their category.
What products are covered by our agreement?
Pharmanex, through a licensing agreement, has exclusive Olympic Marks rights to the category of “Nutritional and dietary supplements—vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients (herbs).” Pharmanex plans to add the Olympic Sponsor Marks to many products including LifePak®, Cholestin®, and the Sportrition™ line. However, we cannot put the marks on our drinks and bars because other sponsors or suppliers own those categories. Nu Skin does not have exclusive Olympic Marks rights for the beauty product category. However, we can put our sponsor marks on our hair, skin, and cosmetic products as long as no other company buys exclusive rights.
Can competitors sponsor athletic teams (vs. Olympic Teams)?
Yes. Any company can sponsor an athletic team through the National Governing Body (NGB) of that team (i.e., the U.S. Ski Team through the United States Ski Association). However, when a team is selected to represent the United States at the Olympic Games it becomes a part of the U.S. Olympic Team, and we are their sponsors. The sponsors of the national teams are not allowed to represent sponsorship of the Olympic Team. Nor can they use the Olympic Marks and Terminology.
Are independent distributors considered “sponsors” of the Olympic Games?
No. Nu Skin Enterprises and Pharmanex are the sponsors, not the independent distributors. Distributors may say, “I represent Nu Skin (or Pharmanex), which is an official sponsor of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and the 2000–2004 U.S. Olympic Teams.”
Can distributors create their own Olympic marketing materials?
No. The Olympic Marks and Terminology are owned by the IOC and are strictly protected by law. Only Official Sponsors, Suppliers, or Licensees have rights to produce materials or merchandise with Olympic Marks. Every use by us as sponsors must be approved by USOC. Any use of the marks by a distributor is prohibited—except appropriate use of approved materials distributed by the company.
Can distributors use the Olympic Marks or Terminology in personal newsletters, brochures, or web sites?
Olympic Marks may not be used in personal newsletters, web sites, or in any distributor produced materials.
What kind of business tools with Olympic Marks will the company provide?
The first materials available will be business cards,stationery, and other basic tools. We are developing a customized NSE Olympic Viewer's Guide for each of the Olympic Games, starting with Sydney. This guide will include ads for each of our divisions. Exclusive pins, clothing, and gifts will be available that feature our logo associated with the Olympic Marks. In addition, promotions, incentives, and joint sponsor programs, now in development, will help you leverage our Olympic Sponsorship.
Can distributors use athlete images found on corporate sites and materials in their own Olympic materials?
No. Athlete images found in corporate materials or web sites, like the Olympic Marks, are owned and protected. We are required to obtain rights to use the images from the owners, USOC, and the athletes.
Are Nu Skin and Pharmanex or their products endorsed by USOC?
No. Nu Skin and Pharmanex chose to purchase a sponsorship for the U.S. Olympic Winter Games and the U.S> Olympic Team. This gives us rights to use certain Olympic Marks as approved by OPUS. These rights are not based upon any preference, comparison, endorsement, or testing by the U.S. Olympic Committee. In fact, the Olympic Marks will not be associated with our LifePak Challenge because we have no right to suggest a product advantage based on our Olympic association. Nor are distributors allowed to suggest that our products are “selected,” “endorsed,” “approved,” “warranted,” “preferred,” or “consented to” by USOC, SLOC, or any other similar endorsement. Doing so could jeopardize our contract. Therefore, distributors or representatives making these claims will be disciplined aggressively—potentially including fines and termination of distributorship.
Violators to Olympic policy are also subject to prosecution by the IOC.
Can distributors use our Olympic relationship in recruiting prospects that live outside the U.S. territory?
You may discuss our Sponsorship with prospects, but be aware that marketing materials with the Olympic Marks and Terminology are not approved for use outside of the U.S.
May distributors contact USOC or SLOC as representatives of the company?
Under no circumstance should distributors contact USOC or SLOC concerning any question, program, or product associated with the company. Olympic questions should be submitted to Nu Skin Enterprises through the Director of Olympic Programs.
Are all U.S. Olympic Athletes using our products?
No. We are proud that Pharmanex is the exclusive vitamin and mineral supplier at the U.S. Olympic Training Centers. However, each athlete, with the counsel of his or her trainer, determines his or her own nutritional regimen.
What should distributors do if non-sponsor competitors use Olympic Marks or Terminology?
The U.S. Olympic Committee is very aggressive in policing the use of the Olympic Marks. Please report violations to the Director of Olympic Operations at Nu Skin Enterprises' corporate headquarters.
