Government’s Intellectual Property Office has rejected Liverpool’s attempt to trademark the word “Liverpool”. Liverpool FC can’t trademark the word “Liverpool”.
Two months ago, it came to light that Liverpool FC are trying to trademark the word “Liverpool”. They wanted to trademark it purely “in the context of football products and services”. They insisted that they want to stop the sale of “inauthentic products”. The club also wanted to stop people from illegally benefitting on their name.
The attempt to trademark bewildered everyone, even the club fans, and Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson.
But the attempt has failed. Government’s Intellectual Property Office has declined the request due to “geographical significance” of the city.
Liverpool FC declared a statement on this matter, “The club accepts the decision that has been taken by the Intellectual Property Office, due primarily to what the official judgment cites as ‘the geographical significance’ of Liverpool as a city in comparison to place names that have been trademarked by other football clubs in the UK. We will, however, continue to aggressively pursue those large-scale operations which seek to illegally exploit our intellectual property and would urge the relevant authorities to take decisive action against such criminal activity wherever it exists.”
Peter Moore, the club’s chief executive officer said to the Liverpool Echo that their intention was in good faith.
“It should be stressed that our application was put forward in good faith and with the sole aim of protecting and furthering the best interests of the club and its supporters.”
Moore said that the club didn’t expect such a reaction.
“We underestimated the reaction to it. We had, in very good faith. We felt that on behalf of the club we needed to do that – but I think it’s fair to say that we underestimated the emotional reaction to it and that’s our bad. Whilst we continued with the filing, we received the rejection from the IPO and we accept that and move on – we have got plenty of other stuff to do.”
Supporters have declared it a “victory for common sense.” Liverpool FC can’t trademark the word “Liverpool”.
