Liverpool FC trademarks the Liver Bird

Anfield 300LIVERPOOL FC has finally succeeded in its bid to trademark the Liver Bird.The club caused uproar two years ago when it emerged it had applied for the rights to the city's world-famous symbol.After talks with Liverpool council, the Reds agreed to abandon the bid.But it has now emerged the council and the football club made a deal whereby they both applied for different trademarks of the famous birds. The club was granted a trademark by the Trade Marks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union (TMDREU).The council is seeking its own trademark through the UK's Intellectual Property Office.Council officials said the deal would mean the club was free to crack down on counterfeit football merchandise.But crucially, they said it will mean the council can act as 'guardians' of the famous symbol for other businesses and charities which have long used the Liver Birds.Council leader Joe Anderson said: 'When Liverpool FC first raised the issue of registering the Liver Bird logo, it caused a lot of concern that charities and other organisations which used the Liver Bird on their literature and promotional material would be unable to do so in the future.'The club's aim is to stop counterfeiters from cashing in by using the badge on pirated goods and they do not want to stop the logo being used legitimately.

Source: Liverpool_Echo