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Chelsea has "trademarked the club's name for use on all clothing items" in an attempt to cut down on "unofficial merchandise sellers," according to Liam Twomey of ESPN.com. Stalls selling replica shirts, scarves and caps that feature the Chelsea name "have been a common sight on Fulham Road and the area surrounding Stamford Bridge on matchdays for years." But street traders "have now been warned they have just the first three home matches of the new season" to sell off existing stock as Chelsea clamps down on unofficial merchandise bearing the club's name -- including half-and-half or "friendship" scarves. Hammersmith and Fulham council's trading standards department said, "Any new merchandise including friendship scarves must comply with the requirements of the new trademarks and must not use the word 'Chelsea' without permission from Chelsea FC the trademark owners." Chelsea does not "necessarily intend to produce" its own "friendship" scarves, but sought the Class 25 trademark to "strengthen the club's brand protection" (
ESPN.com, 8/11).
