Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has made headlines by taking steps to trademark his now-iconic celebration, known as “Cold Palmer,” along with the nickname associated with the gesture. This move highlights Palmer's intention to capitalize on his growing popularity, both on and off the pitch, by securing legal rights over his unique celebration.
The celebration, which features Palmer rubbing his arm to simulate a chill, has quickly become synonymous with his goal-scoring exploits for Chelsea and England. Fans and teammates alike have come to associate the gesture with the 22-year-old’s impressive performances, making it a standout in the world of football celebrations.
Intellectual property lawyer Ben Milloy shed light on Palmer's approach, describing his attempt to secure what is known as a “non-traditional trademark.” According to Milloy, Palmer has uploaded a video of the shiver celebration as part of the trademark registration process, marking a creative and modern take on intellectual property protection in sports.
Milloy, speaking to Hawksbee & Jacobs on talkSPORT, elaborated on the trademark, stating: “Instead of filing a name or logo, he has sought to protect a gesture or technical emotion mark. It covers typical merchandise, but also includes unusual items like baking powder and underwater vehicles. It’s an indication of what Cole Palmer might have planned.”
The trademark would primarily provide protection in commercial contexts, such as branding and merchandise featuring the celebration. This would prevent unauthorized use of the gesture in marketing or on products, allowing Palmer to exclusively profit from its association. However, the trademark would not extend to players mimicking the celebration on the pitch, as gestures performed during matches are considered fair use and often seen as homage or playful imitation.
Interestingly, Palmer has acknowledged the origins of the celebration, crediting Morgan Rogers, an Aston Villa player and his former Manchester City academy teammate, as the inspiration behind the move. Palmer revealed that he first noticed Rogers performing the shiver gesture and decided to adopt it as his own. This connection adds a layer of camaraderie to the celebration's backstory, reflecting the shared influences within football culture.
The decision to trademark “Cold Palmer” signals a broader trend among footballers who are increasingly looking to protect and monetize their personal brands. From traditional endorsements to innovative intellectual property ventures, players like Palmer are finding new ways to extend their influence beyond the pitch.
This bold step positions Cole Palmer not only as a rising star in football but also as a savvy player in the business world. As fans eagerly await his next move, both on and off the field, the “Cold Palmer” trademark may soon become a defining symbol of his career and entrepreneurial spirit.
