Mar
15
2011
What to do when faced with a copycat contractor
Posted by John Crawley
Those with umbrella companies have been told what they can do when faced with the prospect of a copycat contractor.
Mark Lewis, a partner at IBB Solicitors, has given some tips to contractors after one got in touch with Contractor UK to say that a former worker at their company had gone on to set up a similar business with a comparable name and logo.
The expert acknowledged that those working with an umbrella company could claim for infringement of a registered trademark, as long as the name and/or logo did in fact fall into this category.
If this is not the case, contractors can still pursue a case under the claim of passing off, though this is generally "more difficult to succeed in" than the former option.
"Hence, it is advisable to register a trademark," Mr Lewis told company umbrella contractors.
Luxury leather goods company Aspinal of London was one company which has been successful in preventing a copycat business from trading, the Anti Copying in Design website recently reported.
Those with umbrella companies have been told what they can do when faced with the prospect of a copycat contractor.
Mark Lewis, a partner at IBB Solicitors, has given some tips to contractors after one got in touch with Contractor UK to say that a former worker at their company had gone on to set up a similar business with a comparable name and logo.
The expert acknowledged that those working with an umbrella company could claim for infringement of a registered trademark, as long as the name and/or logo did in fact fall into this category.
If this is not the case, contractors can still pursue a case under the claim of passing off, though this is generally "more difficult to succeed in" than the former option.
"Hence, it is advisable to register a trademark," Mr Lewis told company umbrella contractors.
Luxury leather goods company Aspinal of London was one company which has been successful in preventing a copycat business from trading, the Anti Copying in Design website recently reported.