Manchester City issue cease and desist warning to Chilean third division club over club crest

Manchester City have issued a cease and desist warning to a Chilean third division club over striking similarities between the clubs’ crests.

Santiago City, who have yet to play a professional game, are accused of confusing the public with marketing that suggests they are part of the City Football Group (CFG).

The Premier League champions delivered a nine-page document to the minnows on January 31 through Chilean lawyers Sargent & Krahn, who specialise in intellectual property. The Santiago City badge heavily resembles City’s, who alleged an ‘unauthorised use of trademark and characteristic design’.

The warning has been issued due to similarities between the crests of both sides

Their lawyers also referenced a press release by the newly-formed club that ‘specifically mentioned’ that their name was ‘adopted in a direct attempt to imitate Man City and other teams’ in the group.

City insisted in the letter that no Chilean side had been added to their CFG roster, something recognised by Santiago’s lawyer. Trademark infringements are not uncommon in football and City have fought others in the past.

Santiago City’s website was down on Wednesday, but they tweeted training pictures with the crest in clear view to their 1,700 followers yesterday. A post in January appeared with a graphic akin to those used by CFG teams. Santiago’s lawyer told El Deportivo that the club are seeking an amicable resolution to the dispute.

Meanwhile, City’s flight home from Tuesday’s 5-0 Champions League demolition of Sporting Lisbon had to land in Liverpool on Wednesday due to turbulence.