Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid banned from using 'El Clasico' to define their rivalry

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Source: Twitter)

In a bizarre ruling, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have been banned from using the term 'El Clasico' to describe their derby matches in the future. Both clubs have been denied the right to trademark the term, meaning neither team will be able to use it to market their matches or fuel the historical rivalry.

The ruling comes from the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, which has stated that the duo must immediately stop using the term in all of their promotional materials. It is learned that the Patent Office rejected their request citing that the term 'El Clasico' is similar to the brand already established by La Liga, known as 'ElClasico'.

Neither Madrid nor Barca can use 'El Clasico' in their marketing strategies or TV deals. Both are now set to appeal the decision, and if they are rejected again, the chiefs could take the matter to an international court. The name used to describe the match between two of Spain's most prestigious clubs, however, will remain the same among football fans.

Barca and Madrid have a month to appeal the decision

There were also concerns that the Spanish domestic league's reputation could be damaged if both teams continued to use the term to refer to their derby matches. Barca and Madrid have a month to decide whether or not to appeal the decision, as the fixture is known around the world by that term. Notably, this is La Liga's latest battle with Catalan giants regarding off the pitch action, following their transfer ban.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid clashes are one of the biggest sporting events in the world attracting millions of spectators across the globe. The two teams have faced each other 253 times in which Madrid have edged their opponents by one win.

The term 'El Clasico' was once limited to two teams playing in domestic competitions, but in recent years it has been marketed to the Champions League, Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey.