Liverpool’s bid to trademark the word ‘Liverpool’ has been unsuccessful.
An application by the Anfield club to secure the rights to its city’s name in a footballing context was rejected by the Intellectual Property Office on Thursday.
The move had been met with strong opposition by local independent retailers and community-based football clubs as well as council leader Joe Anderson.
In a statement, the Reds confirmed that it had failed to win the right to trademark due to ‘geographical significance’ outlined in the official ruling.
However club officials insists that they will ‘continue to aggressively pursue those large-scale operations which seek to illegally exploit our intellectual property’.
Peter Moore, Liverpool’s CEO, said: “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.
“Nevertheless, we accept the decision and the spirit in which it has been made.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to reiterate our thanks to all those who engaged with us throughout this process, most notably independent traders and local football clubs.”
Supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly described the IPO’s ruling and the club’s refusal to appeal the decision as ‘a victory for common sense’.
“SOS were clear at the outset that the word ‘Liverpool’ is not for FSG or anybody else to own – it belongs to the city of Liverpool and its people,” read a statement.
“We should all be allowed to use it freely, however we see fit, without fear of legal letters dropping through our doors.
“LFC have enough legal remedies from their current trademarks to address any issues they may have. Any more is unnecessary.
“Without fan activism this issue may not have ended like this. Without fan involvement there would be no challenge to the corporate greed within football.
“SOS remain vigilant to the stealth of the club in their relentless pursuit of money at any cost.”