Bury AFC block Steve Dale from registering the Shakers trademark in his own name

By Robin Jones

DEFEATED: Steve Dale

PHOENIX club Bury AFC have blocked businessman Steve Dale from registering the Shakers trademark in his own name.

Bury FC were booted out of the Football League in August 2019 when owner Dale’s bid to sell the club – just promoted to League One – fell through.

Come November, he had placed the Shakes in administration.

The move led to fans setting up Bury AFC with the club subsequently accepted into the North West Counties League Division One.

However, last July Dale applied to the UK Intellectual Property Office to register a trademark containing Bury FC’s crest which includes the town of Bury’s coat of arms. The trademark had not previously been registered by Bury FC.

Bury AFC asked its members if they wanted to legally oppose Dale’s application with a massive 99% of the 600 who responded agreeing that they should. The new Shakers were supported by Bury Council in their counter move.

“Given the support of the membership and the council, we instructed specialist sport and intellectual property lawyers who, due to their connection to Bury as fans and residents, offered their services at a substantially discounted rate,” said a Bury AFC statement.

“Our legal team filed a formal opposition to Mr Dale’s application. It was ultimately decided by the tribunal of the Intellectual Property Office that Mr Dale’s application to register the trademark should fail. This result represents a significant victory for all Bury fans and the town of Bury as it means that the crest and coat of arms will not be owned by Mr Dale.”

Bury AFC played just seven matches before their Division One North season was curtailed, although they did top the table with five victories.