La Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid have reportedly been banned from using the term âEl Clasicoâ to describe their derby matches going forward.
According to the publication Relevo, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office has ruled that neither club can use the name to market matches or to stoke rivalry for the foreseeable.
The decision comes after Real Madridâs request to trademark âEl Clasicoâ was apparently denied by the aforementioned office.
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This ruling was pronounced that the term was too similar to the brand that La Liga has been using - âElClĂĄsicoâ.
As per Forbes, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office believes that âEl Clasicoâ is âalready renowned and sufficiently establishedâ.
Itâs also said that there are concerns that the reputation of the Spanish domestic league could be questioned if the two teams continue to use the term to refer to their regular derby matches.
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Elsewhere, the ruling officials believe there is a âlikelihood of associationâ with the previously-registered trademark and that concerns regarding âsymbolsâ have also been raised.
Following the decision, both Barcelona and Los Blancos must immediately cease using the term âEl Clasicoâ in their marketing materials.
However, both teams do have a month to decide if they want to launch an appeal against the ruling.
Following the news, football fans have come out in their droves to have their say on the bizarre decision.
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One wrote: âLa Liga is absolutely finished, itâs being run into the ground by its executives. El Clasico isnât just a name, itâs a worldwide brand, a heritage, a symbol of history. This is ludicrous on so many levels!â
Another said: âNo one will stop us calling the two biggest clubs in La Liga El Clasico.â
A third wrote: âImagine the Premier League not allowing United vs City to be called the Manchester Derby. La Liga is in serious trouble.â
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In the 2022/23 campaign, there have been five meetings between the two Spanish sides across all competitions.
The latest was Realâs 4-1 aggregate victory over Barça in Aprilâs Copa del Rey semi-final.
If the teams submit and win their appeal, then the next El Clasico will be a friendly match on July 29.
Topics:Â Barcelona, Copa Del Rey, El Clasico, La Liga, Real Madrid, Spain, Fan Reactions