There has been a few links on this stuff in the Shoutbox but I thought it was worth a full post… So, did you notice the clean top-sheets on everyone’s snowboard last week? No stickers to be seen – This is because of Rule 41 (aka The Blackout Rule) which, according to the article on ESPN here, “bans competitors, coaches, trainers and officials participating in the Olympics from using their name or image for advertising during the Games.” The only exception is if your sponsor has some cavernous pockets and will stump up for an exemption. Obviously, this is done to protect the revenue stream for the games and to ensure its survival but it doesn’t stop people having a go at getting their brand name out to millions worldwide – anyone see Lago’s props to the Frends Headphones on live TV? Even the ‘good luck’ billboard in Times square has Shaun White silhouetted out and his name removed with a ‘Gone To Vancouver’ sign replacing it (pretty inventive I think!). A lot of companies will push hard against the boundaries whilst trying not to jeopardize their athletes chances of competing… It’s an interesting game. Head over to a great ESPN article here for more about it.