Chelsea's rising star Cole Palmer finds himself in an unexpected off-pitch battle as a British winery lays claim to the very phrase that defines his now-iconic goal celebration. The 22-year-old midfielder's trademark 'cold' celebration, where he crosses his arms and shivers, has become a familiar sight to Premier League fans this season.
The dispute centres around intellectual property rights to the term 'Cold Palmer', which the Manchester-born footballer attempted to trademark through his company, Cole Palmer Limited. The application, filed in May, covers a wide range of merchandise including clothing, footwear, and alcoholic beverages.
£750 Winery Challenges Football Star
Opposition comes from an unlikely source: The Hidden Winery, a small Surrey-based business that produces a strawberry-flavoured fruit wine retailing at just £7.50 per bottle. The winery argues that Palmer's trademark would cause 'confusion' among consumers and potentially damage their established brand.
Legal documents reveal the winery's concerns about protecting their product identity. 'There is a clear overlap in the goods for which the mark is sought and those already being offered under our name,' stated the winery's filing with the Intellectual Property Office.
What This Means for Palmer's Celebration
While the trademark dispute won't prevent Palmer from continuing his on-field celebration, it could significantly impact his commercial opportunities. The outcome will determine whether he can profit from branded merchandise featuring the 'Cold Palmer' phrase that has become synonymous with his goal-scoring exploits.
Football intellectual property experts suggest this case highlights the growing value of player celebrations as marketable assets in modern football. 'We've entered an era where a celebration can become as valuable as the goals themselves,' noted one sports marketing analyst.
The Intellectual Property Office is expected to rule on the case in the coming months, setting a potential precedent for similar disputes between athletes and businesses.
