Brighton ’embroiled in bizarre legal battle with Croatian minnows and demand they change their badge’, amid claims theirs has been copied

Brighton have reportedly been involved in a bizarre legal battle with a Croatian third tier side in regards to a copyright issue.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who are known as the Seagulls, have been synonymous with the bird being emblazoned across their badge since 1977, having previously been known as the Dolphins.

However, according to Croatian outlet ePodravina, the club became aware of the badge of NK Jadran-Galeb, who currently sit top of the third tier in the country.

Jadran-Galeb’s club crest is seemingly identical to Brighton’s, bar the text – and the report claims that Brighton became aware of this.

It goes onto add that Brighton sent a multi-page legal letter to the club requesting clarification with regards to the design, while they also issued a warning where they claimed the logo must be removed. 

The Croatian side – who were formed in 2001 – are expected to accept Brighton’s request, which will help them to avoid legal action, with the Croatian Football Federation already removing the crest from its website.

Brighton accused NK Jadran Galeb of copying their club crest and demanded they change it

Jadran-Galeb have reportedly ceded to the demand, but it is still visible on their Facebook page

‘There was a certain, let’s say, threat, but in the end, the letter stated they were asking us to change the crest and wouldn’t pursue any legal action,’ Croatian lawyer Josip Madaric, who was involved in the process, said.

‘Legally, there was no reason not to comply. It seems they’ve only just noticed it and decided to respond to a logo that is clearly copied.’

The report goes onto add that when the Croatian side were founded in 2001, they took inspiration from Brighton, who had just been promoted to Division Two, which is now known as League One. 

It is also believed that Brighton only became aware of the bizarre situation when a representative of Jadran-Galeb visited the club.

The Croatian side are yet to comment on the issue, and although they are expected to remove the badge, it is still visible on their Facebook page. 

Brighton currently sit seventh in the Premier League and return to action on Sunday when they entertain Crystal Palace.