Sheffield Wednesday issue statement after legal battle over WAWAW trademark

Sheffield Wednesday has confirmed it has won the legal battle over the WAWAW trademark following a dispute with a supporter who registered it as his own.
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Owls fans regularly use the popular acronym, which stands for "We're All Wednesday Aren't We" and it has also been used extensively in the club’s official merchandise, including replica shirts. In June 2018 WAWAW was registered as a trademark by Paul Jennings, a fan who had also purchased an executive box at Hillsborough stadium.

That meant he could take action against anyone using it without his consent, sparking fears the Championship club would have to stop using it.

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Speaking in June 2019, a Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson described Mr Jennings’ actions as “disappointing”, particularly as he knew about the acronym’s connotations with the club he supported. They said the club had not been informed of Mr Jennings' application and would have challenged it if it had.

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon ChansiriSheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri

An application was then made to the Government's Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in an attempt to get the registration overturned.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Sheffield Wednesday and Mr Jennings’ solicitor Emma Ward confirmed the trademark has now been assigned to Sheffield Wednesday following the legal action.

They said: “The case is now settled, the trade mark in question has been assigned to SWFC and the case is closed.”

Sheffield Wednesday are still awaiting the outcome of an independent disciplinary commission regarding the sale of Hillsborough stadium, which could result in a points deduction.