Writing Sample

MESSI WINS LONG BATTLE OVER TRADEMARK

May 4 2018
https://www.lexprotector.com/messi-wins-long-battle-trademark/

Lionel Messi is not somebody who needs an introduction-at least to those who follow
football. As his stature grew, so did his fanbase around the world. From the streets of
Barcelona to the fields of war-torn Afghanistan and the narrow towns of world, Nos 10 jersey
is worn with pride and affection both.
Barcelona star footballer won a long legal battle of 7 years for registering his own name as
trademark on 26th April 2018. Lionel Messi first tried to trademark his name in 2011 to sell
the sports and gymnastic clothing, equipment and gears but was initially rebuffed. A Spanish
cycling clothing manufacturing company owing 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 trademark. Messi went to EUIPO (European Union
Intellectual Property Office) to request the trademark but Jaime Coma, the owner of
“MASSI” filed the opposition. EUIPO ruled the decision in favor of Jaime Croma in 2011. It
concluded that the use of trademark “MESSI” for sports, gymnastics clothing, protective
equipment and instrument could create a likelihood of confusion with the trade mark
“MASSI” on the part of customers. EUIPO upheld its decision in 2013 and it also dismissed
the appeal of Lionel Messi in 2014. Messi than bought the appeal before the general court of
European Union, the bloc’s second-highest court in 2014. The general court of European
union ruled the decision in the favour of Lionel Messi after 7 yearlong battle to register his
name as a trademark. General Court overturned the EUIPO original decision and said in a
statement that “Messi is well known around the world that any similarities between the
trademark would be unessential. The football player’s fame counteracts the visual and
phonetics similarities between his trademark and trademark MASSI belonging to Spanish
company”
The General Court held that “EUIPO was wrong to conclude that the use of trademark
MESSI for sports and gymnastic clothing and equipment could create a likelihood of
confusion with the trademark MASSI on the part of customers” The EU judges said Messi
should get the EU trademark for the logo, which consist of an emblem with an M, with the
name Messi underneath. Argentine star, rode out a challenge by Spanish Company MASSI
and registering his own name as trademark.
Lionel Messi won a legal battle allowing him to trademark his iconic surname and join the
eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo and his brand CR7 in global marketplace.