Having done additional research, I am now convinced that if we were to use Gold, Silver and Bronze level awards for the COTY/TOTY/SSOTY competitions, we would not, I repeat, we would NOT be infringing upon a trademark of the Olympics.

To prove this fact, I invite evetryones attention to this web-site:

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrpa/opa/pulse/epulse/pulse0501_12.htm

If you go there, you will see that the United States Department of Commerce and the US Patent and Trademark Office use a Gold, Silver and Bronze employee recognition program!

Having said that, where to now? Archie and I have discussed this situation (all the past announcements, the BB discussions and this latest web-site discovery) and we both believe that using Gold, Silver and Bronze will in no way be an infringement.

There seems to be a great deal of sentiment to use those three designations. Additionally, as it was pointed out by Andy Hughes, to use the Diamond, Platinum and Gold tiers, there is a possibility that the winners of the Gold award could be viewed as the top finishers.

So, upon reflection, and barring any logical discussion to keep the Diamond, Platinum and Gold designations, the Gold, Silver and Bronze designations will instead be used for the three final place finishers of each category.

Thank you.

Jim Follis