By: Kwame Bediako
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been denied his attempt to trademark his distinctive “Cold Palmer” goal celebration after a legal challenge from a renowned French vineyard.
Palmer sought to secure intellectual property rights over the phrase linked to his on-field celebration, aiming to commercialize it under that brand.
However, this plan was blocked by Chateau Palmer, a prestigious vineyard in Bordeaux’s Margaux region, which opposed the trademark due to concerns over brand confusion.
The vineyard, Chateau Palmer, argued that Palmer’s trademark application posed a threat to their existing brand, which was established long before the footballer’s club, Chelsea, even existed.
Chateau Palmer’s products cover a wide range, including clothes, food, toys, toiletries, razor blades, diet drinks, and notably, wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Their opposition was specifically focused on the potential overlap if Palmer decided to launch alcohol products under the “Cold Palmer” name.
According to reports from The Sun, Palmer’s legal team has now altered their Intellectual Property Office filings to avoid further direct conflict with Chateau Palmer.
This followed the vineyard’s stance that allowing the trademark could lead to consumer confusion, damaging their reputation, especially since the vineyard is highly regarded in the wine industry.
Chateau Palmer carries historic significance, named after British Army officer Charles Palmer, who acquired the estate in 1814 when it was previously called Chateau de Gascq.
The estate long predates Chelsea Football Club, adding weight to its claim over the name. The vineyard has an esteemed reputation, with royal wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd describing its wines as some of the greatest in Bordeaux.
A bottle of Chateau Palmer’s vintage Cru Classé Margaux from 1970 is valued at £750, indicating the premium stature of the brand Palmer sought to challenge.
