Overview
- Both clubs have active proceedings at the German Patent and Trademark Office over control and permitted uses of the 'FCH' abbreviation.
- 1. FC Heidenheim secured the 'FCH Fanshop' mark in 2024 and is pursuing additional filings that include the three-letter term.
- FC Hansa Rostock argues a 2008 demarcation agreement limits Heidenheim to using 'FCH' only with at least the addition 'Heidenheim 1846'.
- Heidenheim claims older rights based on its 1846 lineage, while Hansa, under then-chief Jürgen Wehlend, challenged the 'FCH Fanshop' registration.
- A decision from the DPMA is pending, and Heidenheim says it is willing to end the case through an out-of-court settlement.