Heirs Diego Maradona Wins A Fight Over The Use Of Maradona's Name In Trademarks

Diego Maradona, left a patent legacy on his behalf. (photo: dock. special)

JAKARTA - The heirs of Diego Maradona who died three years ago on Tuesday, November 7 won their fight to use the Argentine soccer star's name after Europe's highest court ruled the Argentine company, Sattvica, which also belonged to its former lawyer, was not entitled to the trademark.

Maradona secured the EU trademark for its name for clothing, footwear, hospitality services, and IT services in 2008.

After his death in 2020, Sattvica asked the EU EUIPO patent office to transfer trademarks to the company based on 2015 documents issued by Maradona. The document reportedly gave Sattvica permission for the commercial use of the trademark and other undated agreements.

Maradona's heir then asked EUIPO to revoke the transfer registered in his record.

The EU patent agency in a decision last year said Sattvica had not submitted documents confirming the transfer of trademarks to the company. Sattvica then took the case to the General Court in Luxembourg, which is Europe's second highest court.

"Documents produced by the company do not officially justify the handover of the trademark to their side based on contracts signed between the two parties (Sattvica and Maradona)," the judges said.

"In addition, because Maradona had died before the transfer registration request was submitted, Sattvica could not correct the irregularities found. Also could not produce other documents," they said.

Sattvica can appeal to the EU Justice Court, Europe's highest court.

Maradona rose to the highlight of the Buenos Aires slums to lead Argentina to the 1986 World Cup victory. He received iconic status such as fellow Argentines, Che Guevara, and Evita Peron.