Which trademark would receive the strongest protection?

• A. The Scalpers logo used by the University of Ames
• B. The Olympic symbol
• C. A generic team nickname
• D. A Native American figure with an ax

Answer: (B)

Famous and highly distinctive marks gain the strongest protection because they function as powerful identifiers of source and reputation, and courts and regulators shield them from uses that could cause confusion or dilute their goodwill. The Olympic symbol fits this level of protection perfectly: it is globally recognized, tightly controlled by the IOC, and treated as a symbol indicating endorsement, affiliation, or involvement with the Olympic Movement. Unauthorized use can imply sponsorship or association even in unrelated contexts, making enforcement broad and aggressive across jurisdictions.

In comparison, a university’s Scalpers logo would have solid protection within its own community and markets, but not the same universal, cross-border strength as the Olympic symbol. A generic team nickname lacks inherent distinctiveness and isn’t a strong source identifier on its own. A Native American figure with an ax raises cultural and ethical concerns and would not automatically carry the same expansive protection unless it has become a famous, well-protected mark in its own right.