'It's not negative': Arsenal legend Martin Keown responds to Jens Lehmann's purchase of 'Invincibles' brand

Martin Keown had defended the recent purchase of the trademark rights to the name 'Invincibles' by his former Arsenal team-mate Jens Lehmann.

Lehmann, who was part of the Invincibles team that went unbeaten throughout the 2003/04 Premier League season and won the title, spent £30,000 on the brand ahead of the 20th anniversary of the feat.

The ex-Arsenal The goalkeeper will set up a company with the support of his former teammates and legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

“I had the idea because the name 'Invincibles' becomes more and more popular as the 20th anniversary approaches,” Lehmann told the Daily Mail.

“No one had it, so I was looking into it. I was ready to get the trademark rights for our group, so everyone who uses it is violating our trademark. The club was probably a little surprised because no one thought to register the trademark. “At least they know they are being controlled now.”

Reports have claimed that Arsenal were not informed of Lehmann's move and that the rights to the Invincibles name have been snatched “from under the club's nose”.

However, in response to questions about whether Lehmann's company contained underhanded tactics, Keown was willing to set the record straight.

“It's been a very open process: what Jens has done is get a patent on the word 'Invincibles' and share it with all the players and all the staff,” Keown told the White and Jordan program on talkSPORT.

“You have created a company where everyone would benefit if anything could benefit. It's not for him, it's for the entire group… with our approval.

“Everyone has been in the 40-person WhatsApp group, including players and staff… so many people have contributed to this incredible success.

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“I wouldn't put anything negative about this,” he continued. “I think it's about unity. The club is completely in partnership with him and we will look to do charitable things with the club in the future.

“For me it's positive, I don't see this being a negative story. Jens has done this for the group, he's done it for the masseuse, the kit man, the people who didn't really earn the money.

“Arsene knows this and is aware of it, he is part of that group, as are all members of staff. Jens doesn't take this on himself, he just makes sure he is protected in the future.”

Keown explained that one of the reasons for the new 'Invincibles' brand is to host Arsenal legends' matches to raise money for charity, taking inspiration from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The Merseysiders have a number of Legends matches at Anfield every year, with club icons Steven GerrardFernando Torres, Ian Rush, Steve McManaman and more taking the field again in front of a family crowd, with all proceeds donated to worthy causes.

The Gunners greats are looking to do the same starting next season.

“What they want to do is a documentary, they are negotiating with the broadcasters and we hope to hold a match next season.

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“There was an opportunity to do a match, the club offered a date but it clashed with UNICEF Soccer Aid on June 9, which is a big event they didn't want to deal with, but there will be a match and a link-up with a charity.

“I like what Liverpool have done, I like the community games of their legends, that game with Sven (Goran Eriksson) “They are the pioneers of this and I would like Arsenal to follow that in some way in the future.”

Keown also revealed that he, along with his former teammates, will be parading on the field in the final home game of the season against Everton later this month, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Invincibles campaign.

“There is no division between us, the former players and the club, it is quite the opposite,” Keown added.

“In fact, we have all been invited to the last game of the season.

“The Invincibles will be on the field and I hope to be there with new Premier League success for the current team. “That's all we want, the older generation.”