BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 529
                                                    By: Wentworth
                                             Economic Development
                                                          3-15-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is not a government-funded organization.  Protection of the USOC'S trademarks under
federal law is an asset which the USOC uses to raise funds. 
Trademark protection at the state level will aid in the USOC'S
ability to fund America's Olympic athletes.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 529 prohibits a person from using any sign or
symbol relating to the Olympics with intent to gain financially
from the act without the consent from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 16C, Business & Commerce Code, by adding
Section 16.30, as follows:

     Sec. 16.30.  OLYMPIC SYMBOLS.  (a)  Prohibits a person from
     using certain symbols, emblems, trademarks or trade names, or
     the words "Olympic," "Olympiad," "Citius Altius Fortius," or
     any combination without the permission of the U.S. Olympic
     Committee, for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of
     goods or services, or to promote a theatrical exhibition,
     athletic performance, or competition.
     
     (b)  Provides that upon violation of Subsection (a), the
       U.S. Olympic Committee is entitled to the remedies available
       to a registrant on infringement of a mark registered under
       this chapter.
       
       SECTION 2.   Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.