England and Chelsea football star Cole Palmer has made headlines this month, not just for his performances on the pitch, but for his recent moves to protect his personal brand through trademark applications.
While this may seem like celebrity branding at its flashiest, there’s a valuable legal lesson in it for businesses of all sizes: intellectual property protection, especially through trademarks, is not just for the stars – it’s essential for every business.
What Has Cole Palmer Trademarked?
The 23-year-old has secured the rights to the phrase ‘Cold Palmer’, a nickname that’s taken off across social media among fans, along with his ‘shivering’ goal celebration.
Palmer’s trademark application initially faced a setback after being opposed by French wine producer Château Palmer, due to concerns about potential confusion with their brand. To overcome this, Palmer’s legal team removed any reference to wine-related products from the application. However, the updated trademark still covers a wide range of goods, particularly those with strong commercial appeal among fans.
By trademarking these, Palmer is ensuring exclusive rights to use them on products including clothes, footballs, toys and snacks. It means that no one else can use them for commercial purposes without getting his permission first.
Why Are Trademarks Important?
Trademarks are more than just logos or names; they are critical business assets. A registered trademark provides:
· Legal protection against unauthorised use
· Brand recognition that distinguishes your business from competitors
· Commercial value, allowing licensing or franchising opportunities
· Consumer trust, signalling authenticity and quality
Whether you’re a footballer protecting a personal brand, or a business building a recognisable identity, a trademark gives you control over how your brand is used and by who.
What Can Businesses Learn From This?
Cole Palmer’s proactive move should act as a wake-up call to businesses. If you’re using a name, slogan or logo and it’s not protected, you’re leaving your brand vulnerable.
Too often, businesses wait until it’s too late: when a competitor copies their identity, or a rebrand becomes necessary because someone else has secured the rights first. With brand
value forming a core part of many businesses’ success, protection is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Berry Smith’s Bottom Line
At Berry Smith, our specialist Commercial & IP team advises on all aspects of trademark registration. We can support you with trademark searches to check availability and eligibility and filing trademark applications.
Cole Palmer’s trademark move is more than just headline news, it’s a masterclass in protecting brand identity. For businesses, it highlights a crucial point: if it’s worth building, it’s worth protecting.
Don’t wait until your brand becomes valuable to take action. Secure it early and professionally. For expert guidance, you can reach our commercial lawyers at 02920 345511 or commercial@berrysmith.com.