The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has started sourcing licensees for the design, manufacture and U.K. retail distribution of London 2012-branded product across categories.

The IP covered includes the core London 2012 branding, the official mascots, sporting pictograms, Team GB and Paralympics GB.

The initial categories, which will be awarded after a tender process, are home textiles, stationery and print, ceramics and glassware, souvenirs and jewelry.

"The London 2012 licensing program is progressing well and there are significant opportunities for companies to get involved with the Games," says Simon Lilley, senior manager of licensing and retail for LOCOG. "We're looking for innovative responses from companies which can offer expertise and creativity in these sectors."

For details of how to apply and more information visit www.london2012.com/business. The first stage of the process is to register on the CompeteFor Web site, which is the online service for matching potential suppliers with Games-related business opportunities.

Closing dates for expressions of interest across the different categories are home textiles—June 12; stationery and print—June 19; souvenirs—July 3; ceramics and glassware—July 10 and jewelry—July 24.

Partners signed for London 2012 are Tier One Partners - adidas, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF Energy, Lloyds TSB and Nortel. Tier Two Supporters - Adecco, Cadbury and Deloitte. Tier Three Suppliers and Providers - Airwave, Atkins, Boston Consulting Group, Crystal CG, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, McCann Worldgroup, Populous and Trident. The Worldwide Olympic partners signed up for 2012 are Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald's, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa.