Inter have found themselves locked in a trademark dispute with MLS over the name of its franchise Inter Miami for the use of ‘Inter’ in their team name according to a report from The Sports Biz.

Inter have filed to trademark ‘Inter’ thus meaning other clubs would be unable to use it within their name but MLS are convinced that the Nerazzurri will be unsuccessful in their bid to do so.

“The United States-based soccer league is using a previously filed application surrounding Inter Miami CF’s logo as a basis for its trademark opposition filing. It also cites to prior statements made by examining attorneys tied to trademark applications for “MIAMI INTER,” “MIAMI INTER FC” and “FC MIAMI INTER” as foundation for why the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board should reject the registration of Inter Milan’s trademark application.

“MLS’ position is that the use of “INTER” is merely descriptive of Inter Milan and its goods and services, relying on the grounds laid by examining attorneys. The term ‘INTER’ is short for “international” and ‘INTER’ is commonly used to describe soccer teams, states the opposition.

“Because of the widespread use of the term ‘INTER’ in soccer, the relevant consumers do not associate the term ‘INTER’ with one soccer team; ‘INTER’ by itself is not a source indicator in connection with goods and services associated with soccer. ‘INTER’ has not become distinctive as used on or in connection with the applicant’s goods and services in the United States.”

The decision will come down to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board who will decide whether any one football team can claim exclusive rights to ‘INTER’.