Goals and Red Cards
Erling Haaland is a name inextricably linked with success and, occasionally, controversy. As one of the world’s most prolific goal scorers, Haaland has built a reputation not only for his breathtaking ability on the pitch but also for his activities off it.
Like many elite athletes, Haaland has sought to protect his brand by trademarking his name and his signature goal celebration. However, while some of his trademark efforts have given him a winning result, others, such as securing his surname, have led to uncharacteristic defeats.
Haaland’s Trademark Attempts
Trademarking names, logos, or unique celebrations has become standard practice in professional sports. This is not just to help athletes develop their personal brands but also to capitalise on their popularity. For Erling Haaland, trademarking his name made perfect sense. His name has become synonymous with football brilliance and provides substantial commercial benefits when properly protected.
However, things did not go as planned when Haaland attempted to trademark his name. His application to secure the rights to “Erling Haaland” was unexpectedly rejected, much to the surprise of his fans and business experts. Although the exact reasons behind the rejection remain unclear, it highlights the challenges even the most well-known personalities face in safeguarding their intangible assets.
The Success of His Goal Celebration
While trademarking his name hit a roadblock, Haaland’s efforts to trademark his goal celebration were more successful. His calm, almost yoga-like pose after scoring a goal has become iconic, and he has successfully registered it as a trademark. For Haaland, this move goes beyond mere branding, it’s a signature gesture that fans immediately associate with him.
This success demonstrates the importance of uniqueness in branding. Names are often more common and can expose individuals to legal complexities, but a distinctive gesture, like Haaland’s goal celebration, is much easier to protect. By registering this celebration, Haaland has secured the exclusive right to use it in marketing and merchandise, ensuring that others cannot exploit it without his permission.
The Importance of a Trademark Search
Haaland’s experience serves as a reminder that securing trademarks is not always straightforward, even for globally recognised figures.
One crucial step in the process is conducting a trademark name search. This is essential as it helps identify whether similar names or logos are already in use, which can lead to conflicts and potential rejections.
In Haaland’s case, it’s possible that the trademark name search uncovered existing names or legal issues that led to the rejection of his application. For businesses or individuals looking to trademark a name or logo, this search can save time, money, and effort by ensuring that the path to registration is clear.
What Does This Mean for Athletes and Celebrities?
Haaland’s mixed success in the trademark world is part of a broader trend among athletes and celebrities who seek to monetise their personal brands. However, as Haaland’s case shows, the process is not always smooth, even for names as globally recognised as his.
For athletes looking to build their brands, Haaland’s experience offers valuable lessons. While a name might face legal hurdles, unique gestures, celebrations, or even catchphrases can still be protected. This approach not only helps in brand development but also generates revenue through merchandise, endorsements, and licensing.
Our Insight: A Learning Experience for All
Erling Haaland’s trademark journey showcases both the opportunities and challenges of securing intellectual property. While his attempt to trademark his name was unsuccessful, his triumph in registering his goal celebration proves that there are many ways athletes can protect and build their brands.
For fans, Haaland remains an unstoppable force on the pitch. But off the field, his efforts to secure trademarks tell a story of perseverance and creativity. Whether it’s conducting a trademark name search or exploring new ways to protect a brand, Haaland’s journey proves that there are always opportunities to find success, even in the face of setbacks.
