Overview
- The duck Merlín became a worldwide social media phenomenon during the 2026 World Cup and generated millions of interactions according to Emplifi metrics.
- Owner Karla Ivette Gómez submitted two formal applications to the Mexican patent office on June 22 to protect the name “PATO MERLÍN” and a 3D design while other third parties also filed competing applications.
- The Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial has acknowledged receipt of the filings but has not granted trademark rights and administrative review may take months and face oppositions.
- Commercial activity is already active under agency PTG with family oversight, including licensed merchandise, editorial deals and brand appearances, and market experts have offered informal valuations near $500,000.
- Local deputy Luisa Ledesma introduced the ‘Ley Merlín’ to require that a share of economic benefits tied to sentient beings be used for their care and the proposal has been sent to the City of Mexico’s animal welfare commission for analysis.