Retailer Marks & Spencer has been highlighted on social media by a London based pub chain for ‘ripping off’ their name on a new clothing item.
The t-shirt has gone live on M&S website featuring the name ‘Craft Beer Co’ as part of its design.
The pub chain raised issues on Twitter, tweeting “what’s the idea with these T-shirts!?”
“Can we expect a royalties cheque in the post!?” “Surely one Iconic British Institution shouldn’t be ripping off another….!!”
The Craft Beer Co has been trading since 2011 and has a number of establishments in London and Brighton.
It isn’t clear how M&S will respond and whether the pub chain will make a formal legal claim but its certainly not a good look for the retailer.
In the UK, unregistered rights can be built within a brand name through the development of goodwill and reputation. There isn’t a requirement to hold a registered trade mark, though that can make the process of taking action against other companies a lot easier.
If you would like to discuss your trade mark protection, please get in touch with the team today.
