Cyber Storm in China Over Olympic Internet Deal
Sohu.com paid $30 million in 2005 for the rights to set up the Beijing Olympics Games website.
Now Sohu.com is saying that official sponsors can ONLY advertise on their site…and it has created a cyber storm.
Adidas, VW, Johnson & Johnson, Bank of China…ALL…have to advertise on their sight ALONE!
Rivals are likening it to "all Olympic sponsors in the US would have to put their TV ads on NBC."
BOCOG says, "Our legal department is still working to determine what is exclusive and what is not."
Sohu.com says, "In China the Internet industry is very tough and the competition will do whatever it can to fight this deal because they know it's a big one."
IOC officials say "Sohu.com's sponsorship deal should not guarantee the portal 'exclusive or special editorial or advertising rights on their website in relation to the Beijing Games.'"
BOCOG is thinking and the sponsors are waiting….
Do you think Sohu.com is entitled to an Internet monopoly on Olympic advertising?
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