Barcelona and Real Madrid lose rights to call their matches ‘El Classico’

According to a new rule by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have lost the rights to call their matches ‘El Clasico’ or fuel their historic rivalry for the foreseeable future. Both clubs must immediately stop using the term in their all promotional materials.

According to Relevo, the decision was made after Real Madrid failed to trademark the term ‘El Clasico.’ Their request was denied by the patent office asserting that the term was very similar to the brand that is established by La Liga, known as ‘ElClásico.’

Also, concerns were raised about the potential harm to the reputation of the Spanish Domestic League in the future, if both Real Madrid and Barcelona continued using the term to refer to their regular derby matches, and there was also apprehension over the “likelihood of association” with the previously registered trademark. However, Barcelona and Real Madrid still have a month to decide whether to appeal to the decision or not, knowing their fixture is mostly known by that term around the globe.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid is regarded as one of the biggest sporting occasions

Also to be noted that the matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid are regarded as one of the biggest sporting occasions by fans all over the world, mostly catching the attention of spectators from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The fixture also draws a huge viewership in Africa featuring some of the greatest footballers to ever play a game.

The term ‘El Clasico’ was once used limited to both clubs playing in domestic competition. However in recent years, it has been marketed in the Champions League, Supercopa de Espana, and Copa del Rey.

In the 2022-23 season, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have locked horns with each other five times in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey. A sixth clash also took place in Las Vegas during the pre-season, and a similar friendly will be enjoyed by American fans in Dallas this summer.