Another federal lawsuit has been filed over Olympic-themed merchandise sold without permission of the United States Olympic Committee and the Salt Lake Organizing Committee.
USOC and SLOC on Wednesday sued California-based Quiksilver Inc. in Utah's U.S. District Court for trademark violations.
Quiksilver, also doing business as Boardriders Club, is allegedly selling items intended to "create the false impression that they are associated with the USOC, SLOC and/or the upcoming Olympic Winter Games."
One T-shirt reportedly arranges the company's logo ? a wave and a mountain inside a circle ? in five interlocking circles similar to the Olympic rings. The words "Salt Lake City ? Winter 2002" is superimposed over the design, and the word "Olympian" is printed above it, the suit states.
Quiksilver is also allegedly selling "Salt Lake 2002" pins and key chains. The goods are sold in connection with snowboarding, a Winter Olympic sport.
References to the upcoming Games are meant to "mislead and deceive customers" into thinking the company is involved with the 2002 Olympics, according to the lawsuit.
USOC and SLOC reportedly sent a Dec. 18, 2001, letter asking the company to stop selling the merchandise.