Manchester United Could Pay Jose Mourinho’s 'transfer fees' to Chelsea because of image-rights

Chelsea trademarked the Jose Mourinho's SIGNATURE and name early in his first spell in charge and allowed subsequent employers to use them under license

Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Manchester United manager is being delayed because Chelsea still own his signature .

The 53-year-old Portuguese has already agreed terms to become Louis van Gaal’s successor, accepting a three-year deal worth £12million-a-year.


United, however, face a six-figure bill to secure the rights to Mourinho ’s autograph and even his own name, which were trademarked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2005.

Chelsea's’ ownership is not due to expire until the year 2025.
It is understood Inter Milan and Real Madrid - the two clubs Mourinho managed before his return to Stamford Bridge - used his name under license.

United, however, want to own it outright and negotiations are ongoing.
Chelsea sacked Mourinho in December.

But according to the European United’s Intellectual Property Office database, ‘Jose Mourinho’ remains a registered trademark of Chelsea Football Club Limited.

The west Londoners applied for the ownership of the name in March 2005, less than a year after the Special One arrived at Stamford Bridge.

It is trademarked under five classes of goods, for use on products such as calculators, cigarette holders and aftershave.

Jose Mourinho and United also have different official watch sponsors - Hublot and Bulova - while the Special One has an arrangement with car manufacturer Jaguar and United’s shirt sponsor is rival auto firm Chevrolet.