Cases

Jules Rimet Cup Ltd v The Football Association Ltd

Facts

In 2005, three football fans made certain changes to the appearance of the FA’s 1966 World Cup mascot 'World Cup Willie' and applied to register their version and the name WORLD CUP WILLIE as trade marks. They hoped to have merchandise with their version of the mascot on the shelves in time for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. They put together marketing material claiming to own 'exclusive rights' to the mascot and described it as "one of the UK’s most valuable sporting rights". Broadcaster Granada acquired a licence to use the mascot but withdrew after the FA informed them of their intention to sue for passing off, copyright infringement and making an application to register a trade mark in bad faith.

JRCL brought an action seeking declarations that their trade mark applications could not be opposed by the FA and relief for unlawful interference with their business.

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