Locog has issued Julie Benson, founder of The Great Exhibition 2012, with a letter outlining its opposition to the show’s trademark. The letter details how The London Olympic games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 strengthened laws preventing organisations from making a profit from associating themselves with the 2012 Games. Locog’s argument seems to be that new events with 2012 in the title are in contravention of the 2006 Act.
Separately, it appears that the government has inked its own plans to stage an exhibition next year as a celebration of British industry.
According to Benson more than £2m has been spent on organising The Great Exhibition 2012, with 47 shareholders backing the project. The board organising the event includes Evelyn Thurlby, the first chief executive of the Eden Project and exhibition industry stalwart Philip Soar.
Locog has demanded Benson withdraw her application for a trade mark by 27 June. The exhibition had been planned to take place between the Olympic and Paralympic Games in August next year.
Locog has not yet provided Event with a statement on the matter. However, the London 2012 organiser has indicated previously that it on businesses trying to take advantage of the Games.
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