Palmer vs Chateau Palmer heads to GIPO

Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer faces a trademark dispute with Chateau Palmer over the Cold Palmer nickname and related product lines.

Palmer clash with French winery over Cold Palmer trademark

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has applied to trademark the nickname Cold Palmer for a range of products, including clothing and beverages. The application was blocked in part because it sought protection to market wines, where Chateau Palmer in Bordeaux holds a strong brand. The case is now before the Government Intellectual Property Office (GIPO) as both sides prepare to present their arguments.

Chateau Palmer, a respected Margaux wine estate, has opposed the registration, saying the mark could harm its image and heritage. The estate’s wines can fetch up to £750 per bottle, underscoring the value at stake. Palmer’s broader business ambitions appear to extend beyond football into consumer goods, a trend that brings cross-border branding into sharp focus as IP rules are tested.

On the surface this is a sports star trying to extend his brand into consumer goods. Beneath the surface, it shows how branding now travels across borders and products. The dispute tests how IP law balances a personal nickname with an established wine house identity.

If Palmer wins, his name could become a multi-category brand. If he loses, athletes may face tighter limits on personal branding or must seek licensing deals to protect others’ trademarks. Either outcome highlights the pressure on players to monetize fame while guarding the rights of others who carry strong brand associations.

Highlights

Fate in the courtroom will shape how athletes leverage fame beyond the pitch.