SpudBros vs The Spud Father – What Actually Happened?
If you’ve watched TikTok recently, you’ll have seen a massive dispute between SpudBros and The Spud Father, which has blown up social media feeds and gained headlines across the food industry. But beneath the viral posts, there are important lessons for every small business about research, UK trademark registration, and responsibility. What we know […]
We Got a 1 Star Review… You Won’t Believe Why
It’s not every day you get a one-star review for something you didn’t even do. But this is exactly what happened to us last week… It started with a ping in our inbox. “New review”: Cue instant chaos… Our WhatsApp group chat lit up with the everyone moving into full fact-finding mode (at 11pm on […]
Urgent Notice for Clients of Ancient Hume Ltd
Note : This information is based on publicly available records and specific cases reviewed. It is not intended to make any allegation of wrongdoing. This matter first came to our attention after we were contacted by a former client of Ancient Hume Ltd who was unsure whether they were still receiving important correspondence relating to their […]
VPS Trademark Scam Warning: Have you received a VPS trademark publication letter?
We are continuing to see trademark applicants being targeted by publication style letters that look official, use real trademark details and request payment for what appears to be a private listing service. The latest Trademark scam letter example we have seen is from a company calling itself VPS, WPS, or TPS. This follows the same […]
When Ugg Isn’t Just a Brand and What the Famous Boot Taught Us About Trademarks and Geography
Say “Ugg” in the UK and you’ll picture the classic tan boots, trademarked, well marketed, and sold by the UGG brand. But say “ugg” in Australia or New Zealand, and you’ll likely get a different response. There, it’s not a brand, it’s a boot. A locally made sheepskin boot, to be exact. And that difference […]
Cadbury’s Purple Battle: When Colour Alone Is Not Enough
What do you think of when you think of Cadbury? Is it Purple? Cadbury’s has had some unforgettable adverts from the drumming gorilla to the “Eyebrow Dance” and may a heartfelt Christmas campaigns. It’s safe to say the brand has made its mark. But beyond the ads, one of Cadbury’s most enduring brand assets is […]
Trademarking Shapes? – Toblerone’s Triangular Triumph: How a Chocolate Shape Made Trademark History
Let’s be honest, when you think of Toblerone, you aren’t thinking about nougat, you probably are thinking about chocolate BUT you are definitely thinking of the shape first (I also think of duty free too)! Well that triangular peak is not just for show. It is one of the most recognisable chocolate designs in the […]
Why Nestlé Could Not Take a Break from Trouble When Trademarking the KitKat Shape
Nestlé wanted to protect the shape of KitKat’s, but the courts had other ideas. Even though millions do see the breakable bar with the KitKat brand, the company’s attempt to trademark its shape ended in failure. This is one of the most high-profile examples of a brand relying on acquired distinctiveness and losing. The Application […]
Your Brand, Their Website: What the Ryanair v Skyscanner Ruling Teaches Every Business About Online Trademark Control
As summer bookings peak and millions of UK travellers search for cheap flights, few brand names appear more reliably on comparison sites and booking platforms than Ryanair. Love them or loathe them, and most of us manage a bit of both, Ryanair flights move. Which is precisely why, when Ryanair went to the Irish High […]
How Brexit and Backlogs Are Leaving One Small Business Owner £30,000 Out of Pocket in a Trademark Battle with L’Oréal
For many small business owners, a trademark is not just a box to tick. It is the foundation of everything they have worked to build. But for Rebecca Dowdeswell, founder of nkd in Leicester, protecting that foundation has come with a heavy price. More than thirty thousand pounds in legal fees and still no resolution […]