05/03/2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Games with the greatest athletes from around world were widely acclaimed as a successful, highly attended event with a record tally of medals. A recent incident for one such athlete prior to the start of the Games offers a sharp reminder of the legal realities around copyright. Spanish figure skater Tomàs‑Llorenç Guarino Sabaté had to rebuild his entire short programme only days before competing because the music from the Minions franchise that he had used all season could not be cleared for use at the Olympic Games.
Despite following the recommended process months in advance, a last‑minute rights issue left him re‑choreographing under pressure. Similar disputes in recent years have led to abandoned programmes, significant licensing costs and, in some cases, litigation.
From a copyright perspective, the message is clear: using protected material without full, valid, and documented permissions carries real risk. Prior informal approvals, historic use, or the fact that something has been publicly performed before does not guarantee legal clearance. Copyright holders can intervene at any stage.
Whether in sport, business or any creative field, copyright is not a box‑ticking exercise. It is a legal framework that must be actively managed.
And for organisations and individuals alike, the safest position is simple: never rely on assumptions. Secure the correct licence before using any copyrighted work. Certainty protects performance — and protects you.
