Why Cole Palmer’s Legal Battle With French Vineyard Puts Chelsea Season Under Risk?

In West London, Cole Palmer remains the pin-up boy of Chelsea right now with his world-class performances. Moreover, the trademark Cold Palmer celebration elevates his status among the fans. He boosted his identity after his shivering celebration with his puffed-up cheeks made rounds on the internet when he first delivered it. As fans loved it, Palmer decided to trademark his ‘Cold Palmer’ celebration. Yet, there's a roadblock to the process as of right now.

His goal celebration is challenged by a top-tier wineyard company, causing a dent in his hopes. According to ITV, Chelsea's attacking midfielder filed to trademark his celebration, nickname, image, and signature in November 2024. The filing was done at the government’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and this could enable him to use the brand to sell it with different products. Some of the products included footwear, perfumes, clothes, razors, toys, soft drinks, and alcohol, to name a few.

Nevertheless, Château Palmer, a prominent vineyard in southwest France, challenged the player to prevent him from getting a marketing boost or using his brand to enter the market. Hence, the situation looks grim for Cole Palmer, who will take the case to court to challenge the decision.

Cole Palmer Shivers Following IPO Conundrum

According to ITV.com, one particular section of Palmer's application states, "Alcoholic beverages; alcoholic fruit beverages; pre-mixed alcoholic beverages; wines; spirits; liqueurs; alcoholic energy drinks; low alcoholic beverages; none of the aforesaid, including wines complying with the specifications of the PDO Champagne".

After receiving legal representation from both parties, the IPO lawyers will scrutinize the filing and judge the matter. Palmer moved from Manchester City at the start of the 2023-24 season. The Citizens offered the bait, and Chelsea snatched it gracefully. With Pep Guardiola losing one of his finest talents, Palmer blossomed into an elegant footballer and exuded class. During a 3-2 win over Luton Town in December 2023, Palmer introduced the shivering celebration, marking his arrival on the grand stage. Since then, he has used his Cole Palmer celebration, which matches his persona of an ice-cool character on and off the field.

With Château Palmer objecting, it would be the final days of Palmer celebrating his trademark celebration after he scores a goal. Founded in 1814 after British Army officer Charles Palmer acquired an estate, the wineyard presents itself as "one of Bordeaux’s finest grand cru estates." It produces aged wines and has established itself as a master of French vintning. With old-aged wines causing a dent in pockets, a wine shop named Laithwaites sold a bottle of 'Historical XIXth Century blend' for £250 in 2020. Similarly, Château Palmer listed the Cru Classé Margaux from 1970 at a staggering £750. With Palmer arriving on the scene after Manchester City academy graduate Morgan Rogers asked him to do this celebration, the trademark poses a problem in the mere existence of this Cole Palmer celebration in the Premier League.

Other Famous Footballers and Their Trademarks

Likewise, multiple footballers trademark their own celebrations for image rights or to boost their brand value. The first name to pop into our heads is the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who trademarked the CR7 brand, which he later used for hotels, clothing, perfume, and much more. To add to the growing list, Kylian Mbappe trademarked his arm-crossed celebration while Real Madrid icon Gareth Bale filed the same for his heart goal celebration. Digging deeper into the history books, Eric Cantona was the first player to have a trademark chant in 1997 - the French artist on the pitch patented “Ooh, ahh Cantona" to the surprise of many. David Beckham trademarked DB07 and DB23, his shirt numbers for marketing purposes.

With multiple ongoing legal battles, Château Palmer remains adamant about keeping their branding image. Although Palmer's wine preferences are unknown, according to The Sun, “Within its appellation, Palmer is certainly the closest rival to its first growth neighbour, Ch. Margaux.”

A legal battle between a wine company and a footballer never surfaced in recent history. But Palmer's cold celebration might come to a somber end with the opposition of Château Palmer. With Chelsea looking to win multiple trophies in the season, they hope Palmer's legal issues won't sidetrack his form coming into the brand new 2025-26 season.