Manchester United sues ‘Football Manager’ game’s creators.

Manchester United accuse ‘Football Manager’ of allegedly infringing its trademark over the use of club’s name.

England’s giant club Manchester United is suing the developers of a popular video game series called ‘Football Manager’ for the alleged infringement of its trademark over the use of the club’s name. Manutd has taken offence for ‘Football Manager’ developer’s decision to substitute their club logo with a simplified red and white striped version. The English Premier League side has taken the legal route and claimed, “changing of the club’s logo deprives the registered proprietor of its right to have the club crest licensed.” 

The owner of the popular football management simulation game, Sega Publishing and Sports Interactive in their defence have claimed that since 1992, ‘Championship Manager’ – the current version’s predecessor, they have legitimately used the club’s name in a football context without any complaints in their game ‘Football Manager’. SI was contacted for access to the Football Manager database by some data analytics & talent scouts for strictly research purposes, who in fact work for Manutd.

United barrister Simon Malynicz at a preliminary remote hearing on Friday, pointed out that the revenue clubs generate from licensing their names and logos is very significant. He said, “Consumers expect to see the club crest next to the name of Manchester United, and this failure to do so amounts to wrongful use.” Malynicz further added that the use of downloadable patches comprising replica trademarks, which are supplied by third parties was “encouraged” by Sega and SI.  Manchester United is the highest valued sports club in the world.