After a long running trademark dispute between Fox and Mark Tughan – who owns a number of music and comedy clubs which operate under the name “The Glee Club” – , Deputy Judge Roger Wyand QC today held that Fox had infringed the trademark of the aforementioned club, which Tughan has held for the better part of 15 years.
While Fox are expected to attempt to appeal the ruling, the Deputy Judge decided Fox’s use of the name “Glee” in the UK could cause confusion, potentially resulting in members of the public choosing not to frequent the clubs under the assumption that they were connected to the TV series. “I have found that there is a likelihood of confusion. Continued use cannot be in accordance with honest practices.”
With today’s ruling, there has been a suggestion that Glee could be banned from UK broadcast, while DVDs and other merchandise could also face a ban.
While Fox are expected to attempt to appeal the ruling, the Deputy Judge decided Fox’s use of the name “Glee” in the UK could cause confusion, potentially resulting in members of the public choosing not to frequent the clubs under the assumption that they were connected to the TV series. “I have found that there is a likelihood of confusion. Continued use cannot be in accordance with honest practices.”
With today’s ruling, there has been a suggestion that Glee could be banned from UK broadcast, while DVDs and other merchandise could also face a ban.
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