Samsung, IOC Deny Banning iPhones at the Sochi Olympics

A rumour surfaced yesterday claiming that in its push for its Galaxy Note 3, Samsung demanded that athletes cover up the Apple logos on their iPhones during the Opening Ceremony. Since then Samsung has responded to the allegation in an email statement sent to Fast Company.

Some may think that Samsung’s marketing push would actually involve such actions, and they would be right: both parties have imposed restrictions on each other. Just consider the sales ban due to patent infringement.

But this time things looks slightly different. In an email sent to Fast Company, a Samsung representative denied any allegations of the rumour that originates from a Swiss site.

Samsung has not been involved in any decisions related to branding on products used by athletes to the Games. All commercial marketing around the Games is overseen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

From the IOC’s press office, Rachel Rominger sent the following statement regarding the rumoured iPhone ban:

Thank you for your email. No it is not true. Athletes can use any device they wish during the Opening Ceremony. The normal rules apply just as per previous Games.

Since we are talking about the Olympics, fair play is the key, and Samsung seems to recognize this.