Cole Palmer Secures ‘Cold’ Celebration Trademark

Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s rising star, has made headlines by trademarking his iconic ‘cold’ shivering goal celebration. Despite openly acknowledging that the gesture was inspired by Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Palmer’s move signals a new chapter in athletes protecting their image and intellectual property.

Cole Palmer’s Trademark Triumph

The United Kingdom’s Intellectual Property Office has officially approved Cole Palmer’s trademark application for his ‘cold’ celebration. This legal protection applies exclusively to commercial use, meaning other footballers are free to replicate the gesture on the pitch, but cannot profit from it without Palmer’s permission. Palmer had previously put his ‘Cold’ nickname under trademark, furthering his commitment to controlling his personal brand.

Why Trademark a Celebration?

Paul Jordan, partner at Bristows LLP, explained that Palmer’s legal team is assembling a comprehensive set of image rights and intellectual property protections. This move is less about preventing other players from enjoying the celebration and more about establishing Palmer’s seriousness in safeguarding his proprietary gestures and likeness. As Jordan notes, “It’s about showing potential partners and sponsors that he values his intellectual property and is proactive in securing it.”

Following Football’s Elite

Palmer’s decision places him in esteemed company. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Gareth Bale, and Erling Haaland have all trademarked their famous celebrations. These moves reflect a growing trend among top athletes to monetize their unique moments and further distinguish their brands off the pitch. Notably, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Valencia’s Diego Lopez have also imitated these celebrations, adding to their popularity in world football.

Origin of the ‘Cold’ Celebration

While Palmer is now synonymous with the shivering gesture, he has openly credited Morgan Rogers, his former Manchester City academy teammate, for the original idea. In an interview with The Telegraph, Palmer explained, “It’s a nod to my former City academy team-mate Morgan Rogers. It symbolizes joy, passion and hard determination for the game plus it’s funny as it works well with my name. Everyone knows it’s my celebration.” Rogers, now at Aston Villa, playfully responded, “He definitely copied me. It’s my celebration. Check the timeline, I did it first. He’s one of my closest friends in life. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Valencia winger Diego Lopez also claimed he’s been performing the gesture for four years, highlighting how popular and widespread the celebration has become.

Cole Palmer’s Injury Update

Fans eager to see Palmer’s trademarked celebration have had to wait, as the Chelsea midfielder has been sidelined with a groin injury since September. However, manager Enzo Maresca remains optimistic about Palmer’s return after the international break, with crucial fixtures against Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League on the horizon.

The Business of Football Celebrations

In today’s football landscape, trademarking unique celebrations is becoming a lucrative strategy. Palmer’s move demonstrates an acute awareness of the commercial opportunities available to modern athletes. By legally protecting his celebration, Palmer not only enhances his marketability but also sets a precedent for younger players seeking to build their personal brands.

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Opinion: Palmer’s Trademark Is Smart Branding

Cole Palmer’s trademark initiative is a reflection of how football is evolving beyond the pitch. By securing his ‘cold’ celebration, Palmer is taking control of his public persona and future earnings. While some may see it as unnecessary, it’s a strategic move in an era where athlete branding is as critical as performance on the field. It’s a savvy step for Palmer, ensuring his ‘cold’ celebration remains uniquely his in the world of football commerce.