Supermarket chain Real "has hit back at the German Football Federation (DFB)," according to FOCUS ONLINE. The chain "has filed a request with the patent office to delete the DFB's jersey logo as a trademark." The DFB "generates several million euros annually through the licensing of the logo." The round logo with the eagle in the middle "is also on the jersey of the German national team and has likely increased in value after the team won the World Cup title in Brazil." According to law, national crests along with national insignias "cannot be protected as a trademark." The question is "whether the DFB logo is such an insignia." The eagle in the DFB logo "looks very similar to the eagle in Germany's coat of arms." The reason for the request "is a dispute between Real and the DFB." The DFB "has taken action against Real products that show a similar logo." A Munich court spokesperson said, "It is about football mats and fan clothing." The court is expected to make a decision on the issue on Aug. 7. Should the "cancelation of the trademark be successful, it would influence the court case" (FOCUS ONLINE, 7/23).
