Mathys & Squire protect first football club
INTELLECTUAL property law firm Mathys & Squire is helping Sheffield FC to seek an EU-wide trademark to protect its position as the world’s first football club.
Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, created and still owns the original rule documents which outlined how the modern game should be played. It also introduced the crossbar and throw-in.
The involvement of Manchester-based Mathys & Squire ties in with Sheffield’s plans to build a new stadium and open a ‘Home of Football’ museum.
Rob Hawley, partner at Mathys & Squire, said: “As a keen football fan I am delighted to be involved in securing trade mark protection for football¹s oldest brand. Sheffield FC may only enjoy a relatively modest league standing but it enjoys the unique position of being the first football club in the world, and it is vital that this status is recognised and preserved.”
Guy Higton, commercial manager of Sheffield FC, said: “Although small, Sheffield FC enjoys a special place in the world of football. It is fantastic that this piece of history will be officially recognised and I look forward to the development of the new stadium and museum, and an ever greater future for the club.”
Sheffield FC now play in the eighth tier of English football, the Northern Premier League Division One South.
Mathys & Squire has a track record in the sports industry having worked for Chelsea FC and golf club manufacturer Callaway Golf.
