Mérida, Yucatán — A resident of Yucatán has filed a trademark application for the popular duck character known as “El Pato Merlín,” prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum to denounce the move as an abuse.
According to file number 3643308, David Sides Fuentes, who lives in Santa Gertrudis Copó, Mérida, submitted a request on June 17 to the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) seeking exclusive rights to the name and logo for 10 years.
The application covers commercial uses including advertising, political campaigns, business incubators, and management services for artists and athletes.
The logo depicts a duck wearing a green jersey featuring a Quetzalcóatl design, similar to the Mexican national soccer team’s uniform, with the Aztec calendar in the background.
President Sheinbaum revealed the attempted registration during her morning press conference, calling it an abuse. The duck’s owners, who appeared with the bird at the event, announced they would also seek to legally protect its image. Sheinbaum said the federal government would help the family with the IMPI process.
