DAVID BECKHAM’S MLS side Inter Miami could be forced into changing their name already after losing the first part of a legal dispute with Inter Milan.
The Italian side are suing the American league for trademark infringement, claiming the term “Inter” is synonymous with them and no one else, according to NBC Sports.
Beckham’s Inter Miami side have reportedly lost the first stage of their legal battle with Inter MilanCredit: Instagram
And in a hearing that took place yesterday, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) dismissed one of the MLS club’s two arguments.
Beckham’s new club – who play their first game on March 1 – will appeal the decision but “likely lose”, the report claims.
Inter Miami basically argued that because there are several clubs around the world with the name Inter in their title, Antonio Conte’s side could not lay unique claim to it.
For example, there is SC Internacional of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Inter Nashville FC in the National Soccer Premier League in the US and even Inter Leipzig in Germany.
The USPTO are reported to have found that MLS’ claim that there are a number of clubs with Inter in their name “did not meet its burden to show that MLS has valid proprietary, or ownership, right in the name, Inter.”
The article adds that Inter Milan must convince the USPTO that consumers think of them when they hear the name Inter.
Given their size and legacy in the game, that could be achievable.
A decision on the case is likely to be made by the end of this year.
Inter Miami – who have suffered a number of other setbacks – recently filmed their first training session at their new complex ahead of their first game.
The 50,000 square foot state of the art pink training facility, that is still showing signs of construction, sits adjacent to their temporary stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The training facility boasts seven football pitches and the team were given their first taste of action on it after moving from a temporary site.
It is reported that the training complex has set back joint-owners Beckham and Jorge Mas a cool £50million to redevelop.
Inter Miami will spend two years playing at the 18,000-capacity Lockhart Stadium before it is completely transformed into a training centre.
Neymar Jr shakes hands with David Beckham as he tries to convince him to join Inter Miami
They will then move to a £750m development at Miami’s Freedom Park in 2022 once it has been completed.
Miami will play New York City FC on Wednesday in a behind-closed-doors friendly before another match against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
A further friendly against FC Dallas follows before they open their MLS account with a match against the reigning champions Los Angeles FC on March 1.
Beckham is one of the co-owners of the clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
The club will move into a stunning new stadium in a couple of yearsCredit: Instagram @intermiamicf
Work is underway on the huge developmentCredit: Instagram @intermiamicf
Miami go straight into the MLSCredit: Instagram @intermiamicf
Inside Inter Miami’s first training session at new multi-million pound complex as Beckham’s side prepare for MLS debut
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
