A dispute has arisen in Mexico over the trademark registration of “Pato Merlín,” the duck that became a viral sensation and a symbol of the 2026 World Cup. The controversy centers on the use of the duck’s image and who holds the rights to it. Mexican authorities have officially recognized the Gómez family as the rightful owners of those rights. The case highlights the complexities of intellectual property concerning spontaneously popular internet memes and imagery. Details surrounding the initial claim and the process of registration remain under scrutiny. The Gómez family’s claim appears to be based on originating the duck’s image and its association with the World Cup. This situation raises questions about the protection of viral content and the rights of creators in the digital age.