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Albion becomes a trademark

Two clubs - Brighton and Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion - have secured legal rights to the name 'Albion' in an attempt to prevent fans buying unofficial merchandise.   However, some have argued that the ancient name should not be owned by private companies.   It is one of the oldest descriptions for Britain.

Shakespeare in King Lear states 'Then shall the realm of Albion come to great confusion.'

Several clubs including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have trademarked their club names for products and services despite them referring to geographical areas.   However, Liverpool failed in a similar attempt in 2019 because of its 'geographical significance'.

West Bromwich Albion were originally called 'West Bromwich Strollers' and it is hard to envisage a top club being so termed today with its implication of a lack of effort.  Indeed, it is used for walking football clubs.

However, the term is used in Scotland including (perhaps appropriately) Civil Service Strollers and Glenrothes Strollers.

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