Brighton is reportedly embroiled in a bizarre legal battle with a third-party Croatian party over a copyright issue.
Fabian Hurzeler's side, known as the Seagulls, has been synonymous since 1977 with the bird featured on their crest, previously known as the Dolphins.
However, according to Croatian outlet ePodravina, the club became aware of the emblem of NK Jadran-Galeb, who currently top the country's third tier.
Jadran-Galeb's club crest is apparently identical to Brighton's apart from the text – and the report claims that Brighton became aware of this.
It adds that Brighton have sent a multi-page legal letter to the club asking for clarification on the design, while also issuing a warning claiming the logo should be removed.
The Croatian team, which was founded in 2001, is expected to accept Brighton's request, which will help them avoid legal action as the Croatian Football Association has already removed the emblem from its website.
“There was a certain, let's say, threat, but in the end the letter said that they asked us to change the emblem and would not take legal action,” said Croatian lawyer Josip Madaric, who was involved in the trial. .
'Legally speaking, there was no reason not to comply. It seems like they only just noticed and decided to respond to a logo that was clearly copied.”
The report adds that when the Croatian side were formed in 2001, they took inspiration from Brighton, who had just been promoted to Division Two, 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 have yet to comment on the matter, and while they are expected to remove the badge, it is still visible on their Facebook page.
Brighton are currently seventh in the Premier League and are back in action on Sunday when they entertain Crystal Palace.
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