SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — The creators of the 2016 Rio Olympics logo have dismissed any claims of plagiarism, saying any similarities to one from a United States foundation is a coincidence.

The creators made the denial after Brazilian media noted similarities with the logo of the Telluride Foundation based in Colorado.

The comparisons began shortly after the Olympic logo was unveiled before about one million people on New Year’s Eve at Rio’s Copacabana beach. Both logos depict figures embraced at the arms in a flowing motion.

The director of the Brazilian agency that designed the logo said he had never seen the foundation’s version. Fred Gelli told the GloboEsporte.com website that the agency did extensive research to guarantee the design was unique.

“For some reason, we missed that one,” Gelli said.

Gelli acknowledged a “similarity” with the foundation’s logo, but said the broad concept of people embracing each other is not novel.

The Telluride Foundation says on its website that it promotes philanthropy and provides “grants and services to the community in support of arts, education, athletics and all charitable causes”.

Gelli also dismissed similarities with the painting “The Dance” by Henri Matisse.

“The brand is radically different because it is tridimensional,” Gelli said. “It’s a radical difference.”

Gelli’s Tatil agency entered the process to design the logo along with nearly 140 other competitors. A team of 15 national and international members of the organising committee for Rio 2016 made the final decision a few months ago.

A giant TV screen set up on the sand at Copacabana beach beamed the logo to cheering spectators before a massive flag bearing the image was rolled out on top of the crowd.

Organisers say the logo was designed based on four pillars: contagious energy, harmonious diversity, exuberant nature and the Olympic spirit.

The 2016 Rio Olympics will be the first staged in South America.