> BMW/Rover did crack down on anyone using the MG name and octagon. Most
> chose to remove it from their name rather than pay a licence fee, although
> some of the bigger boys obviously felt it worth paying for. It was the
> launch of the MGF, and consequently official use of the MG logo on dealers
> forecourts etc that led to it, and presumably BMW are doing this with the
> Mini name prior to launching the new Mini which will be a marque in its own
> right, like MG, rather than just a model as before.
>
> Don't see how they can stop anyone using 'mini' in lower case since it is a
> standard word, but with the typeface and in connection with the motor trade
> they can, it would be seen as 'passing off'.
>
Richard Branson's VIRGIN AIRLINES is doing the same in Australia at the moment
as
they prepare to launch their VIRGIN BLUE service here (Virgin Blue sounds like
a
porn channel or something).
I would love to know the range of businesses that are being approached to take
the Virgin out of their trading names.
Eric
|