Bullying amongst the Bulls

Norwich based gin maker Bullards recently applied to register its name as a trade mark at the UK Intellectual Property Office (“UKIPO”). Following the applied for mark being published in the Trade Mark Journal, Bullards has received an opposition from global energy drinks firm, Red Bull, for the inclusion of the term ‘bull’.

Red Bull has indicated it would settle the matter if Bullards removed a number of goods and services from its application, including non-alcoholic beverages and events. Bullards claim that to remove the goods and services requested would cost “thousands of pounds”. It has likened the actions of Red Bull to bullying and contest there is no likelihood of confusion. Red Bull has previously threatened another brewing company named Redwell Brewing as its name started with ‘Red’ and ended in ‘ll’ before claiming there was ‘no dispute’ and backing down.

If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact the team at McDaniels Law on 0191 281 4000 or legal@mcdanielslaw.com