Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been awarded the trademark rights to his own logo after winning a European Union court challenge.
A Spanish cycling clothing manufacturer owning the name Massi filed a notice of opposition to the original registration of Messi’s trademark in 2011, claiming it would lead to confusion with its already registered brand.
However, the General Court of the European Union ruled in Messi’s favour on Thursday after a seven-year battle, overturning the European Union Office for Intellectual Property’s (EUIPO) original ruling.
The decision means Messi is free to use his own branding as he wishes on sports and gymnastics clothing, footwear and equipment across the EU.
The General Court argued that he is so well known around the world that any similarities between the trademarks would be basically redundant.
“The football player’s fame counteracts the visual and phonetic similarities between his trademark and the trademark ‘MASSI,’ belonging to a Spanish company,” a statement said.
Trending
- Okuama Killings: Army whisks away Delta monarch to Abuja
- Students kick as Baze University hikes tuition by 35%, hostel 100%
- NIPPS Alumni to EFCC Chairman: You’re not alone
- Ebonyi pledges to sustain achievements as USAID BA-N scales back health support
- Confederation Cup: Rivers United host defending champions + All CC, CL fixtures
- Top five shows to binge on GOtv Stream catchUp this Easter holiday
- UTME: Candidates will now be held responsible if parents disrupt exam process – Prof. Oloyede
- FG restates commitment to press freedom, demands responsibility