Merlin the Duck is the character that has caused a sensation at the 2026 World Cup and has become a true star. Unfortunately, some strangers have taken advantage of his fame and beaten his owners to the trademark registration.
Although the family of the beloved duck went to register his name and image with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) on June 22, the reality is that someone had already done so days earlier.
Who beat the original owners to the Merlin Duck trademark?
According to Sebastián Reséndiz, a reporter for the program Hoy, a man identified as David, originally from Mérida, Yucatán, was the one who beat Karla Ivette Gómez to the punch in registering Merlin the Duck.
“I saw earlier that she said she was going to register the name ‘Merlin Duck’ with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) today. Well, I see that someone registered it before her, meaning they stole the name and registered it first to steal it,” the reporter explained.
According to the journalist, the registration with IMPI occurred on June 17th, six days before its owner, and was registered under “Merlin Duck” or “The Lucky Duck,” along with an image of the animal.
The trademark was registered under class 35, which includes advertising materials, computer data maintenance, rental of advertising space, commercial display, and commercial division.
Why did Merlin Duck’s family plan to register it as a trademark?
After attending the morning press conference with Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, Karla Gómez and her children went to the offices of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) in southern Mexico City to register Merlin the Duck as a trademark.
This followed advice from Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration to prevent third parties or brands from using the beloved duck’s fame for commercial purposes without authorization, and to maintain control over future collaborations.
“Someone else wanted to register the duck as a trademark, imagine that. I mean, what an abuse. So, first, we’re helping her so she can register Merlin the Duck for the family,” the mayor stated.
The registration was completed on Monday, June 22, around 11:00 a.m., and the process was recorded under file number 3646513. However, before its approval, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) will have to review the documentation, verify that it is not identical or similar to another existing trademark, and rule according to the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property. Therefore, the process could take several months.
Once approved, the trademark protection would be valid for 10 years and can be renewed for equal periods.
It’s worth remembering that the beloved World Cup duck rose to fame after appearing on the streets of Mexico City wearing a Mexican National Team jersey. The photos of the little animal went so viral that FIFA even named it an Ambassador for the 2026 World Cup.
Source: radioformula
