The Lleida CF has filed an appeal before the director of the Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas against the resolution of total concession of the UE Lleida shield to Atlètic Lleida. The move comes after that resolution was approved last April 17 and was published this Tuesday in the Boletín Oficial de la Propiedad Industrial.
The club maintains that there is risk of confusion
In its brief, Lleida CF maintains that the registration promoted by Atlètic Lleida coincides with the identity of the figurative sign and generates a risk of confusion with the trademarks that the entity has granted since 2023. The club understands that this coincidence directly affects its visual identity and the rights already recognized over its distinctive marks.
The appeal also incorporates an accusation of alleged bad faith on the part of Atlètic Lleida in the processing of the registration. That is one of the bases on which Lleida CF asks that the officially published concession be reviewed.
Unease around the club
The controversy has had a quick response in the Leridan environment. Jordi Cortés, coach of the team, publicly expressed his discomfort about the situation.
"It seems to me a lack of respect that an emblem such as the shield and the name of UE Lleida could end up in the hands of people who are not linked to the club. I understand the anger of the fans" - Jordi Cortés, coach of Lleida
Also several fan clubs have positioned themselves jointly. Rudes Lleida, És un Sentiment, Molo Esportiu, Amics del Lleida and Blues Nord issued a statement in which they showed their rejection of the attempt to appropriate the identity, history and symbology of Lleida.
With this appeal underway, the conflict over the use of the UE Lleida shield now enters a new administrative phase, with the focus placed on the review of a concession that has opened a new front between two football projects in the city.