LIVERPOOL FC last night agreed to withdraw its application to trade mark the Liverbird, after the city council told the club it would oppose the bid.

As revealed on www.liverpool dailpost.co.uk yesterday, lawyers acting for the council wrote to the club stating they planned to lodge an objection with the UK Intellectual Property Office before a deadline for doing so expired on Saturday.

Last night, a club spokesman said they had always been clear they only intended to trade mark their own version of the Liverbird, but that it had recognised the concerns raised over the iconic image.

Liverpool Council deputy leader Cllr Flo Clucas, who had been vociferous in her opposition to the club’s application, said she was delighted by LFC’s decision.

Barrister Francis McEntegart, who specialises in intellectual property rights, last night said it meant the future of the Liverbird logo that anyone can use was safe.

It also emerged last night that the club have submitted a fresh trade mark application for the entire club badge to cover uses on clothing.

The spokesman for LFC said: “We have listened to the views expressed by many people and recognise the concerns raised over such an iconic image which has been associated with the City of Liverpool throughout its history.

“As such, we have decided to withdraw our application to trademark the Liverpool FC club crest rendition of the Liverbird.”

davidbartlett