Corinthians ‘file complaint’ with INPI over SAFiel’s use of Fiel | OneFootball

Corinthians has filed a complaint with Brazil’s INPI against SAFiel over the use of the word Fiel in its name, according to Boletim Corinthiano.

The club argues that Fiel is historically tied to Corinthians and says phonetic, visual and ideological similarities could mislead supporters into believing SAFiel is connected to the institution.

The filing also cites unauthorised use of expressions traditionally associated with the club. Corinthians has not issued an official statement.

SAFiel criticised the move, saying opposition to registering the SAFiel and Invasão Fiel marks treats Sport Club Corinthians Paulista as exclusive property rather than a collective asset.

It argues the objections lack technical basis, says it has taken the appropriate steps and will keep pursuing registration, and pledges to assign the marks to the Corinthians community at the end of the process. The group also pointed to a mobilisation in Brasília as evidence of unity, and said redemocratisation of the club is inevitable.

INPI is the federal body responsible for industrial property rights in Brazil, including trademarks and patents, and handles such disputes.

SAFiel is the largest current movement to convert Corinthians into a SAF, backed by business figures and aiming to raise at least R$ 1.6 billion to restructure debt and overhaul operations with an independent board separate from Parque São Jorge.

Source: Meu Timao