1. FC Heidenheim and Hansa Rostock involved in patent dispute over “FCH” abbreviation | OneFootball

Current Bundesliga club 1. FC Heidenheim and current 3. Liga outfit Hansa Rostock are separated by two divisions and last met on the pitch nearly three years ago. The two organizations are nevertheless presently dueling it out in court over which side maintains rights to the “FCH” abbreviation. 

A report in the Ostsee-Zeitung – relayed by Kicker – reveals the Rostock have taken issue with Heidenheim’s registration over the “FCH Fanshop” name and logowith the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) in 2024. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommen still wishes to stake claim to this abbreviation. 

According to the report, Rostock and Heidenheim reached a bilateral marketing agreement in 2008 in which the BaWü club agreed that “FCH” would not be claimed by the younger outfit. Heidenheim violated this agreement by filing the patent claim, in the process arguing that they were the older club. 

Heidenheim was technically founded in 1846, but has gone through multiple mergers and consolidations. The club in its current form actually only dates back to the decision to form the new legal entity back in 2007. As such, Rostock (founded in 1965) is thus the older club.

Heidenheim spokesman Markus Gamm and Rostock PR professional Marit Scholz are both quoted in the Ostsee-Zeitung article. Both sources confirm that the dispute is working its way through the courts whilst both parties also consider an out-of-court settlement.

Scholz shone some light on the 2008 agreement, telling the newspaper that Heidenheim agreed not to use the “FCH” moniker unless it was accompanied by a additional clarification that made use of the “Heidenheim 1846” designation.

GGFN | Peter Weis