Chelsea set to win big as United line up 6-figure fee for Mourinho signature rights

The former Chelsea boss has agreed terms with Manchester United to become their manager for the next 3 seasons worth £12million-a-year but the official announcement is being delayed because Chelsea still own his signature.

It is understood Inter Milan and Real Madrid - the two clubs who Mourinho managed before his return to Stamford Bridge - used his name under license.

However, United want to play big and own it in it entirety. But they have to pay a six-figure bill to secure the rights to the Portuguese’s autograph and even his own name, which were trademarked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2005 with the Blues’ ownership not due to expire until the year 2025.

Chelsea sacked Mourinho in December.

According to European United’s Intellectual Property Office database, ‘Jose Mourinho’ remains a registered trademark of Chelsea Football Club Limited.
The club applied for the ownership of the name in March 2005, less than a year after the Special One arrived at Stamford Bridge.

It is trademarked under 5 classes of goods, for use on products such as calculators, cigarette holders and aftershave.

Another hitch between sealing the Mourinho and United deal is the fact that Mourinho and United also have different official watch sponsors - Hublot and Bulova respectively. They also have different car sponsors -with Jose an ambassador for car manufacturer Jaguar while United’s shirt is being sponsored by rival firm Chevrolet.