Trademark speculators bet on Olympic Games

In addition to the pride and glory Chinese Olympic champions brought to the motherland, they have also delivered unlimited business opportunities to the nation's merchants.

Since the end of the London 2012 Olympic Games in mid-August, professional trademark pre-emptors have been trying to capitalize on the names of Chinese Olympic champions, according to China's trademark authority.

"They are registering a trademark not for their own use, but in speculation on a potential appreciation in value, to sell later for illicit profit," said Zhang Liwei, head of an application examination office at the Trademark Appeal Board under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, during an interview with China Central Television.