I have been living in Hong Kong long enough to have become accustomed to the “No Photo” rule at some establishments.  It is not unheard of to see folks flip out a camera at a restaurant and take several pictures of their meal.  Just yesterday I saw a guy take several snapshots of various pages of a newspaper in 7-11, putting it back on the shelf and leaving.  I have sympathy for the businesses who have this rule because they don’t want their products duplicated across the border, because that’s how products get pirated.

If you’re a regular reader of the website, you will know that I’ve been keenly following the amount of exposure given locally to the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup that starts in South Africa in June.  For this reason, when I passed the Adidas store in Tsim Sha Tsui this afternoon, I decided to have a look at what they are doing as official supplier to FIFA.

Keeping in mind that they may have a “No Photo rule” I politely asked a salesman if I may take some pictures of Jabulani (the name of the official 2010 ball) and Zakumi (the official mascot of the 2010 SWC).  I explained why I wanted to do so and offered my name-card.  He rushed off to consult his manager who bluntly refused, never even looking up from his keyboard (or game console).  “No pictures of the ball, only the mascot.” came the response.

I left and took a picture of the store instead.  So rest assured Adidas; while I took a picture of your store, I have no intention of setting up a rival “Adibas” outlet.