EU court rejects Barcelona FC badge as trademark

Iconic football club Barcelona cannot use the outline of its badge as a trademark because it does not make clear to consumers the link with one of Spain’s top teams, an EU court ruled Thursday.

The General Court, second only to the European Court of Justice, said it rejected Barcelona FC’s case because the plain black line silhouette did not meet the standards required for a trademark.

The club had wanted to use the silhouette to help market stationery, clothing and sports activities.

“The General Court confirms that none of the characteristics of the sign at issue contains any striking feature which is liable to attract the attention of consumers,” a statement said.

“In fact, the mark sought will rather tend to be perceived by consumers merely as a shape and will not enable them to distinguish the proprietor’s goods or services from those of other undertakings,” it said.

“In those circumstances, the General Court dismisses in its entirety the action brought by Barcelona FC.”

Barcelona, riding high in the Champions League and Spain’s La Liga, first applied for trademark in 2013 but it was turned down, prompting the appeal to the General Court.