The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property announced that the name and image of Pato Merlín belong to the family of Carla Ivette Gómez. The ruling was issued on June 24 under Mexican law. The duck gained fame during the 2026 World Cup.
The IMPI confirmed on its X account that Merlín belongs to the family of Carla Ivette Gómez after reviewing several trademark applications. All requests followed legal procedure and the resolution was based on the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property.
President Claudia Sheinbaum intervened on June 23 during her morning press conference. She asked the IMPI to help the family protect the bird's image and noted it was unfair for others to try to register it.
Pato Merlín became popular after the opening match of the World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City. He accompanies his owner Carla Gómez, a street vendor, while she sells drinks in the Historic Center.
