On April 27, Beijing time, a Spanish media reported that the Court of Justice of the European Union concluded a trademark infringement case. Barcelona star Messi won the case and the counterfeit brand MASSI was banned from being used within the EU.

Barcelona star Messi registered and fully owned the trademark brand MESSI in his own name when he debuted. But a few years ago, a copycat brand MASSI emerged. This copycat trademark belongs to a Spanish clothing brand. At a quick glance, the two brands look very similar, and buyers who don’t know the details can easily mistake the fake brand for a Messi product.

Originally, copycat MASSI and genuine MESSI had a chance to survive, but in 2013, the copycat did something that Messi couldn't bear. MASSI brand holder Jaume Masferrer Coma appealed to the European Union Intellectual Property Agency (EUIPO), suing Messi's MESSI brand for copying their MASSI! The copycat complained that Messi's brand text looked too similar to their brand, which seriously affected the use of their brand in Spain and the EU, causing confusion.

It is outrageous for a copycat to sue the genuine product. What’s even more outrageous is that the European Union Intellectual Property Agency actually supported the counterfeit goods, and they ruled in favor of MASSI! As a result, Messi's MESSI brand can no longer be used in Spain and the EU. The business scope of the Messi brand is sportswear and shoes, and the business scope of the copycat brand completely overlaps with the Messi brand.

Source: Tencent Sports