Who is FCH? FC Hansa and Heidenheim dispute the use of the abbreviation - FC Hansa Rostock and 1. FC Heidenheim clash over ‘FCH’ trademark rights
A legal battle has broken out between FC Hansa Rostock and 1. FC Heidenheim over the use of the abbreviation 'FCH'. The dispute centres on trademark rights and a long-standing agreement between the two clubs. Both sides now find themselves in conflict, despite playing in different divisions.
The disagreement began when 1. FC Heidenheim registered the trademark 'FCH Fanshop' with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office in 2024. The club also launched broader proceedings, claiming extensive rights over the 'FCH' acronym.
FC Hansa Rostock has challenged this move, arguing that Heidenheim is violating a 2008 coexistence agreement. That deal allowed 1. FC Heidenheim to use 'FCH' only when paired with 'Heidenheim 1846'. The club from Rostock insists the terms remain binding and accuses Heidenheim of repeated breaches.
Heidenheim, however, claims that Hansa initiated the current trademark search. The two teams last faced each other nearly three years ago in the 2. Bundesliga. Since then, their paths have diverged, with Hansa now two divisions below Heidenheim.
Under former CEO Jürgen Wehlend, FC Hansa Rostock formally opposed the 'FCH Fanshop' trademark registration. The legal process is ongoing, with neither side backing down.
The conflict highlights the complexities of trademark agreements in football. Both clubs remain firm in their positions, leaving the resolution in the hands of legal proceedings. The outcome will determine how the 'FCH' abbreviation can be used in the future.
