Liverpool Bid to Trademark the Word 'Liverpool' Denied

Liverpool's controversial bid to trademark the word 'Liverpool' has been rejected by the government's Intellectual Property Office.

The Premier League club insisted their sole aim had been to protect themselves against mass-produced Liverpool FC merchandise and had hoped to trademark the city's name when used in the context of football products and services.

But, after accepting the IPO's decision, the club's chief executive Peter Moore admitted they had underestimated the level of opposition from independent traders within the city, plus local football clubs and Liverpool City Council.

Moore said the club's intentions had been sincere but they had misunderstood the implications the trademarking would have had on the local community.

Moore said the club had met with local businesses to explain their intentions.