Chinese Olympic Committee condemns illegal use of athletes names

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The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) vowed on Wednesday to help protect Chinese Olympians against the illegal use of their names as trademarks.

Chen Meng of China returns a ball during the women's singles final of the table tennis competition against her teammate Sun Yingsha at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Several Chinese star athletes including Yang Qian, Chen Meng, and Quan Hongchan saw their names registered as trademarks in various categories, including alcohol, sportswear, and tutoring industries, following their success at the Tokyo Olympics.

"The COC wants to remind all that business activities should be conducted in a rational manner and in accordance with the relevant laws. The legitimate rights and interests of athletes must be respected," read a COC statement.

"Any registration of athletes' names as trademarks without the authorization of athletes themselves or their guardians is forbidden. Any offenders must stop their action."

"The athletes and the guardians of underage athletes have the rights to pursue the liability of relevant parties," added the statement.

There were at least 19 trademark applications related to the name of 14-year-old Quan Hongchan, who won Olympic gold in the women's 10m platform, in just one week after the Tokyo Games, according to media reports.

Yang Qian, who won China's first gold medal at Tokyo 2020 with her victory in the women's 10m air rifle, also saw her name registered as a trademark for alcohol and wares.

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