Man City demand Chilean side Santiago City change badge due to similar branding

City insisted that no Chilean side had been added to their CFG roster

Manchester City have reportedly issued a cease and desist warning to Chilean third division club Santiago City over obvious similarities between the clubs' crests. While Santiago City are yet to play a professional game, they are already under scrutiny for confusing the public with marketing that indicates they are part of the City Football Group (CFG). Last month, Manchester City used Chilean lawyers Sargent & Krahn to produce a nine-page document that was given to the Chilean side. It stated that Santiago City's badge heavily resembled City's, who alleged an 'unauthorised use of trademark and characteristic design'. https://twitter.com/santiagocityfc/status/1476752386735558657 The club's lawyers also referenced a press release from Santiago City that 'specifically mentioned' that the Chilean's name was 'adopted in a direct attempt to imitate Man City and other teams' in the group. According to Chilean publication El Deportivo, City, via their lawyers, sent the following request: "Our client has asked us to get in touch with you since they have noticed that you are using the team's crest." The report added that, in demanding that Santiago City change their badge, City, via their legal representatives, stated that their crest "cannot co-exist with the Manchester City trademarks and our client has the right to protect its position by enforcing its industrial property rights." The Premier League champions also made it clear that no Chilean side had been added to their CFG group. https://twitter.com/santiagocityfc/status/1493996040143327234

Although Santiago City’s website was down on Wednesday (February 16), the club tweeted several training photos with the badge unchanged.

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola's side boast a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, with second-placed Liverpool possessing a game in hand.

Related links:

• Newcastle owners target more clubs in Man City-style club network
• Commentator apologises after ‘Emptyhad’ gaffe during Man City vs Chelsea
• Pep Guardiola left shocked by Sir Alex Ferguson’s PL Manager of the Month record