An anonymous official from canton Valais has acquired control of the trademark of the troubled national exhibition, Expo.02. The exhibition's organisers have been left to try and recover the copyright, through an amicable settlement or legal means.

An anonymous official from canton Valais has acquired control of the trademark of the troubled national exhibition, Expo.02. The exhibition's organisers have been left to try and recover the copyright, either through an amicable settlement or legal means.

According to the French-language newspapers "24 Heures" and "Tribune de Geneve", the unnamed official registered the Expo logo with the federal institute for intellectual property, thereby gaining control of the copyright. The trademark expo2002 was also registered.

The organisers reportedly hope that an amicable settlement can be reached which will allow them to recover control of their own trademark. However, if this proves impossible, then the matter may be taken to an arbitration tribunal.

According to spokeswoman Marina Villa, the event's lawyers are confident of success if the matter does go to a tribunal, on the grounds that the term Expo.02 is clearly linked to the national exhibition.

The official's motives have not been made clear. However, according to press reports, he has no intention of profiting from selling the logo back to the organisers. If any profit were to be made it would be given away.

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