The problem arose from an unexpected source, namely Italy, more specifically Milan, where the Inter Milan club plays its matches. The name itself indicates that the first word, “Inter,” is identical for both clubs, but is this a reason why Beckham’s new project might be at risk?
The issue between the clubs first emerged in 2018 when David Beckham presented the official name and logo of his football club. At that time, representatives of the Italian club, Inter Milan, expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the right to use the word “Inter” in the club’s name belongs solely to them. Interestingly, this stance stemmed from the fact that several years ago (in 2014), the Italian club registered a protective right for the trademark “Inter” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which means that Inter Miami has no right to use that name. Moreover, according to the Italians, the new club did not make the appropriate application to the American office, which also works against it.
In their defense, Inter Miami representatives argued that there are many clubs around the world that use the prefix “Inter.” These include Inter Leipzig, FC Inter Turku, and Inter Nashville FC.
Despite the arguments in favor of the Miami team, news has come from across the ocean that Beckham’s club has lost the first lawsuit against Inter Milan. As a result, there is a very real possibility that the final decision in the case may be unfavorable to the new club.
Meanwhile, at the end of February 2020, the American MLS league started, in which David Beckham’s team plays under the name Inter Miami CF, thus continuing to use the disputed prefix. So how will the whole matter end? We will find out in the near future, especially since a possible resolution may force the new team to change its name during the current season.
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