Brand protection: Director of Intellectual Property Stephen Selby briefs reporters on Olympic brand protection and advertising rules.

Director of Intellectual Property Stephen Selby has urged spectators and competitors to comply with Olympic brand protection and advertising rules during the equestrian events.

Speaking at a press briefing today Mr Selby said the rules prohibit advertising inside spectator areas at Olympic venues. Official sponsors are also forbidden to advertise inside spectator areas.

No form of advertising or other publicity is allowed in and above the stadiums, venues and other competition areas. Commercial installations and advertising signs are also prohibited.

Spectators should check the rules on their admission tickets. If they are wearing clothes or carrying accessories with large or obvious advertising messages they may have to remove them or cover them up.

Mr Selby urged people to co-operate with staff at the venues, adding normal brand names on clothing will not be a problem.

Spectators should not accept commercial promotional items that might be given away for free near Olympic event venues because they fall foul of Olympic authorities' rules.