Jose Mourinho will regain ownership of his name tomorrow as Chelsea Football Club's trademark is set to expire after 20 years, according to reports.
The Portuguese manager's name has been the property of Chelsea since April 4, 2005, when the club registered it with the UK Intellectual Property Office.
The trademark gave Chelsea exclusive rights to use Mourinho's name for merchandising purposes, reports the Daily Mail.
After two decades, the west London club has chosen not to renew the trademark, effectively returning ownership to the 62-year-old manager.
Jose Mourinho will regain ownership of his name tomorrow as Chelsea Football Club's trademark is set to expire after 20 years
REUTERS
The expiry date coincides exactly with the 20-year anniversary of when Chelsea first registered Mourinho's name during his first spell at the club.
Chelsea's ownership of Mourinho's name allowed the club to sell a wide range of merchandise featuring the manager's brand.
This included everything from Mourinho mugs to dolls, posters and mobile phone covers.
The terms of the original trademark were remarkably extensive, even covering lingerie should the club have wished to produce such items.
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Jose Mourinho guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup during his first stint at Stamford Bridge
PA
When Mourinho was in talks to join Manchester United in 2016, it was suggested that United might need to pay Chelsea a six-figure sum for a licence to use his name on their merchandise.
The trademark restrictions meant Mourinho himself could not produce merchandise carrying his own name without Chelsea's permission.
The club technically could have sued their former manager had he attempted to do so.
Chelsea were reportedly notified six months ago that the trademark was expiring, receiving an email reminder on October 4, 2024.
Despite this notification, the club has not taken steps to renew their ownership of Mourinho's name.
The expiry means the Portuguese boss will finally be free to use his own name commercially without restrictions.
The trademark expiry marks a significant moment for Mourinho, who has spent two decades unable to fully capitalise on his own name.
However, Chelsea will maintain some control over Mourinho's brand assets for a little longer.
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His signature remains trademarked by the club until November 2025.
Mourinho first took charge of Chelsea back in 2004, when he was appointed as a replacement for Claudio Ranieri.
He made a brilliant impact at Stamford Bridge, guiding the club to Premier League title glory the following year.
Jose Mourinho won his third and final Premier League title with Chelsea back in 2015
GETTY
Chelsea proceeded to defend their title in 2006 but, in 2007, Mourinho was axed after missing out on the crown to Manchester United.
He later returned to west London for a second stint in 2013, with the Blues winning the Premier League title 12 months later.
Mourinho departed for a second time in December 2015 after Chelsea's form dropped off, with the Blues involved in a relegation battle at the time.
