Nike, Puma and Reebok are among manufacturers that have written to IOC president Jacques Rogge, claiming that Adidas should no longer be the exception to the governing body's rule, which limits branding to a single 20cm2 logo on outfits.
Adidas is allowed to use the three stripes on any part of Olympic clothing because they are considered to be a design element, not a logo.
However, Adidas' rivals claim this immunity offers it greater prominence as an Olympic team sponsor. They have cited evidence from this year's Athens Olympics that showed Adidas achieved higher brand recognition.
Adidas, which supplies sportswear to the British Olympic Association, has used the three-stripe design on Olympic apparel for four decades. An Adidas spokeswoman said any restriction would be "incomprehensible".
The IOC confirmed that its board will meet in the new year to review the complaint. If a change is agreed, it is liable to come into force before the 2006 Winter Games.
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