Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
What's the problem with the UCI having rights to its symbol?
I don't see any problem. If you mean by its symbol the UCI logo, they should have every right to it (and they do). I'm just confused with the idea of having rights to a particular set of colours in a particular order.
The UCI has used the rainbow stripes for decades and built equity in the World Championship franchise. It's not any different than other trademarks.
It is different than any other trademark. The UCI is a sports governing body and thus should be non-profit. Their sole purpose is not making trade.
Why should other companies be allowed to copy the symbol that the UCI has developed and invested money in promoting.
I don't know about the trademarks but a patent lasts for 20 years. As you mentioned earlier, this is an ongoing tradition for decades and it is a part of cycling tradition by now.
Do you think car manufacturers still pay Volvo for the idea of seatbelt? They do not. In fact they never did! It was an open patent and any car manufacturer used them free of charge. What we're talking about is the three point seatbelt, one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century.
If the "unlicenced" use of the rainbow stripes will encourage more people to ride bikes I say why not set it free? The UCI will benefit from that as well.