Cowes Week adverts

C2 RIBS · 27 October 2013, 11:04

Just been notified of this trademark issue.

Cowes combined clubs have managed to trademark "Cowes Week"

Intellectual Property Office - By number results

Isle of Wight: Cowes Week

Looking at the notice authorised in August 2013 they appear to cover everything where items may have Cowes Week on them. What I cant see if if operators advertise for Boats for charter during Cowes Week, if we are affected ?

Likewise photos taken aboard our boats are sent out on Facebook as Cowes Weeks day 1 etc etc. How is this affected ?

We were always told a common location could not be trade marked, so Cowes cannot be trade marked same as other towns but maybe events can.
Breakdown of some of it "individuals who wanted to stage Cowes Week themed events would be able to continue to do so without interference."

Ribtecer · 27 October 2013, 11:12

"Cow's Weak" possibly ???

Poly · 27 October 2013, 11:52

Ian, only had a quick skim through the things that are listed. I don't see boats or charter on the list and they might have struggled to claim that was their mark to register having clearly been in use by lots of different people for some time.

You might run into more issues with photos. E.g.
Cowes Week Commerative Photo Pack

would be an advertising message that might get you in bother. I am sure you could argue though that

Commemerative Photo Album: Cowes, week 03-08-2013 to 10-08-2013
is just a statement of fact using standard language.

I'd be adding a footnote wherever you use the phrase Cowes Week to the effect of Cowes Week is a registered trademark of Cowes Week Ltd and the services offered by C2 are not endorsed or approved by Cowes Week Ltd.

Oh and if you can then keep copies of material that proves you were using the mark before their registration.

C2 RIBS · 27 October 2013, 12:03

Cheers Poly

Main issue for yachts on charter is that they always got T SHirts and Caps made up with boat name.company name- Cowes Week and year- these will get captured if not purchased by authorised seller. So many crews did this, and often support RIBs were given clothing caps etc

How far back can that go for old usage. I obviously have loads held on file

Poly · 27 October 2013, 12:11

I don't think it can apply retrospectively, but if you are really concerned get professional advice, or call Rya legal dept.

willk · 27 October 2013, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

"Cow's Weak" possibly ???

or

Calves Week

ashbypower · 27 October 2013, 15:02

How's about Cowes Sailing Week ??

Anchorhandler · 27 October 2013, 16:04

How about "Sheep's strong sailing festival"....or is that just getting silly...:-)

Simon

Sent from my Experia Ultra europallet using Rib.net

chris.moody · 27 October 2013, 16:23

IOW Sailing Week, everyone will understand that.

--
Tigga - Avon SR4 Rescue with 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke

C2 RIBS · 27 October 2013, 17:35

Or sailing tanker crash week , sorry

C2 RIBS · 27 October 2013, 17:43

Interesting that AAM cowes week press person has tweeted about it and feedback is not favourable for Cowes Combined Clubs

chris.moody · 27 October 2013, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

Or sailing tanker crash week , sorry

Love it, if everyone put that on their advertising they would very quickly do a u turn.

--
Tigga - Avon SR4 Rescue with 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke

HughN · 27 October 2013, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris.moody

Love it, if everyone put that on their advertising they would very quickly do a u turn.

Like the yacht didn't?

andyxs · 27 October 2013, 20:16

or how about just cowes 2014. that and something marine, no need for week. We all call it cork or cowes, very rarely adding week on to it but yes it is a bit of a duff move.