As former world champion Vladimir Kramnik never recognized the final score of The Clash of Claims match in Madrid, which he lost to Mexican GM Jose Martรญnez Alcรกntara 11.5-14.5, Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess and organizer of the Armageddon series, offered to hold the final installment of The Clash of Claims in August in London, UK.
Both players agreed and The World Chess announced Clash of Claims 2 to take place on 19-21st August on the FIDE Online Arena.
However, the announcement was met by harsh protests from the organizers of the original Clash of Claims in Madrid.
IM David Martรญnez (El Divis) wrote: “A month ago, we organized Clash of Claims, and now The World Chess wants to organize Clash of Claims 2, using our brand and popularity without consulting us. Besides a possible rights violation, it is ethically deplorable.”
IM Levy Rozman (GothamChess) said: “These guys really plagiarized our entire brand name and intellectual property. Shameful stuff.”
Thomas Liljeruhm asked: “Was it ever protected? ๐คท”
John Chandler wrote: “Ignoring the obvious issue of stealing someone else’s event name, does the world really need to see a repeat of competitive laptop unboxing, temper tantrums, change of formats, and a concluding round of legal action from a former world champion that lost fair and square?”
@QuodSemper disagreed: “For a tournament name to be considered a brand, it requires legal registration and trademarking. Without such legal backing, the claim of rights violation is unfounded. The popularity and ethical considerations are secondary to the legal framework governing brand rights.”
Ilya Merenzon reacted to Rozman’s comment: “Should we rename it โClash of Blamesโ? Seriously, we should, this name is much better.”
UPDATE: IM David Martรญnez (El Divis) concluded the matter: “I had a short email exchange with Ilya Merenzon, CEO of The World Chess, and the match name will be changed. As far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed.”
