Sponsors of the Beijing Olympics are encouraged to be aware of the different intellectual property laws in China. Unlike many countries, China allows the registration of athletes’ names and portraits as trademarks for brand protection.
Also advised:
A forgotten right to which the book draws attention is ‘domain name.’ Register all appropriate domain names as soon as possible once sponsorship has been agreed, urge Ordish and Adcock. “Domain names are quick and easy to register, and so can often fall prey to cyber squatters who get in first.”
Registering an athlete's name seems like wishful thinking, but was probably a reasonable gamble.