Chelsea and England midfielder Cole Palmer has applied to trademark his 'shivering' goal celebration and nickname, but his bid has been challenged by a French winery. The Intellectual Property Office will adjudicate after Château Palmer, a vineyard in Bordeaux, lodged an objection.
Château Palmer, founded in 1814 by British army officer Charles Palmer, has been producing wine for over two centuries. The vineyard argues that Palmer's application to trademark his name for alcoholic beverages conflicts with their existing brand, which predates the footballer's career by 139 years.
The legal dispute highlights the growing trend among top footballers to monetise their personal brands. Palmer joins a list of players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé who have sought to protect their image rights through trademarks.
Observers have noted the irony that Château Palmer produces a wine called 'Alter Ego', described as 'elegant and velvety with a wonderful capacity to age and evolve' – a description that could equally apply to the young footballer. Some have suggested a collaboration might be more fruitful than litigation.
