Members of Eurovision Song Contest-winning band Bucks Fizz have taken a dispute over who owns the name of the group to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston – who alongside former colleague Bobby G, real name Robert Gubby, won Eurovision in 1981 with Making Your Mind Up – have been performing under the name the Original Bucks Fizz.
Mr Gubby’s wife holds copyright to the name Bucks Fizz. Ms Baker, Mr Nolan and Ms Aston are now objecting to Mr Gubby’s use of the name and he is challenging them in turn.
An official from the Intellectual Property Office heard evidence on 15 July and is expected to make a decision by the end of August.
Iain McColl, an associate in the Gregg Latchams’ Corporate & Commercial department, said: “Although the idea of members of a 1980s’ pop band battling it out for the use of a name that is 30 years old may have its amusing side, there is a very serious issue at stake here.
“A name like this is a trade mark or brand that you use as a marketing tool, so customers can recognise your products or services. It is an important and distinctive asset that distinguishes you from your competitors and so it needs to be protected with registration.
“It is also important to remember that to keep your trade mark in force, you must renew registration on the 10th anniversary of the filing date and every ten years after that.
“If disputes over a trade mark do occur, the IPO encourages those involved to resolve their differences before launching any legal action. Whether you are attempting to reach an agreement informally or need to take more formal measures, it is sensible to seek expert legal advice on your options and the best way forward.”
For more information, please contact Iain McColl.
