Attempt to register 'Pato Merlín' brand in Yucatán for political campaigns

An individual residing in Yucatán has attempted to register the trademark for "Pato Merlín," a popular duck character that gained viral fame, with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). The application, filed on June 17, seeks a 10-year concession for the brand and logo, "El Pato Merlín. El pato de la suerte" (Merlin the Duck. The lucky duck).

The proposed logo features a duck wearing a green shirt with an image resembling the Mexican national soccer team's Quetzalcoatl design, set against a backdrop of the Aztec Calendar. The applicant, identified as David Sides Fuentes, intends to utilize the "Pato Merlín" brand across various ventures, including political advertising campaigns, business incubators, and the management of artists and athletes.

The popular duck and its owners recently attended President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's morning press conference at the National Palace. Sheinbaum announced her administration's commitment to assisting the family that owns the duck, ensuring they receive the necessary support for a better quality of life. The duck's owner, Karla, shared that their viral status stems from being a hardworking family dedicated to earning a daily living.

During the press conference, President Sheinbaum strongly condemned the attempt to register "Pato Merlín" as a trademark, labeling it an "abuse." She emphasized the unfairness of someone else trying to claim ownership of the beloved character. The federal executive stated that her government had already intervened to help the family secure the rights to the duck with IMPI.

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It is not fair that someone else wanted to register the duck as a brand. Imagine, what an abuse!