Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two major Spanish soccer clubs, have applied for trademark rights for several elements in the metaverse. The clubs have introduced applications covering different activities and services that can be carried out in the metaverse, such as cryptocurrency wallets and the possibility of selling virtual goods.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are interested in the Metaverse
Sports teams are now shifting their activities to the metaverse to generate new revenue streams and improve feedback and fan relations. Recently, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two of Spain’s biggest soccer clubs, filed joint trademark applications to offer several services in the Metaverse.
Trademark attorney Michael Kondoudis first reportedon this trademark application on social media, reporting that it was filed on August 5. The trademark application indicates that the two clubs may be interested in offering their own cryptocurrency wallets. The application also suggests the possibility of metaverse gaming software, as it references “virtual reality software.”
The application also mentions virtual apparel, including clothing, footwear, and headgear.
Crypto Background
Crypto environments and the metaverse are not new to either of these two teams that filed trademark applications. Both have been involved in cryptography and NFT efforts for some time. Real Madridpartnered with Sorare, an NFT collector company, in 2020to be able to offer player collectibles on Sorare’s NFT market. This was followed in 2021 by the soccer teamannouncinga partnership with LAVA to issue smart tickets in the form of NFTs for spectators.
FC Barcelona is further engaging in the world of cryptocurrencies, issuing its own funtokens that allow users to have a say in certain decisions regarding the club. FC Barcelona also reported that NFTs and Metaverse are part of its expansion strategy, and in March launched a new division, Banca Studio, to focus on products in these areas.
In addition, the club recently sold nearly a quarter of this new division to fan engagement token company Socios.com for $100 million, a deal directed at reshaping the club’s strategy in the Web3 and Metaverse space.
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