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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This is so stupid. I hope FOX wins the appeal.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure people can tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteI don't even watch the show, but this is so stupid.
ReplyDeleteGood
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan, but how pathetic is this? Very.
ReplyDeleteYes, please ban it. Cancel it if at all possible. When the the gleeks learn to write music instead of just singing pretty songs, start again.
ReplyDeletenever watched Glee (and I don't intend to ever watch it) but this is beyond stupid. Classic case of 'I didn't do anything for it but give me a piece of the cake'
ReplyDeleteit's been 5 years and now is thay are doing this? this BS
ReplyDeleteI hate the show but seriously? It never ceases to amaze me how stupid these people think the average person is.
ReplyDeleteThe case has been going on for a few years
ReplyDeleteI don't think it has anything to do with the public. They just say that it could confuse the public because it makes it look good on paper if it goes to trial. I think it's all entirely about trademarks and copyrights and, quite frankly, wanting some damn money.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch the show, but why not just air it under a different name if its causing issue? For example Scandal is aired in South Africa under the title 'The Fixer' as there is a local program called Scandal and they didn't want any confusion.
ReplyDeleteTo quote someone else (can't remember their name) on SpoilerTV, "One does not simply build a case overnight."
ReplyDeleteI know it's not exactly the same, but the FOX drama "House" is known as "House M.D." in lots of territories around the world. I have no clue why they added "M.D." (I know it has to do with medical, I just don't know why they added it into the actual title of the show).
ReplyDeleteThat would be me. :D
ReplyDeleteHaha there you are! :D Thanks for the reminder, I'll edit my comment! :)
ReplyDeleteGlee gets into legal drama's every season so this is nothing new.
ReplyDelete2010 - legal issue due to the 'Vogue' music video
2011 - issue due to the 'porn' GQ cover
2012 - 'Nicole Crowther' drama
2013 - 'Baby Got Back' drama
2014 - UK name issue
This is so stupid. At least it gave me a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteIt was originally known as House MD here, too, but then FOX dropped the MD. I guess other countries kept it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I see. Didn't know that. Thanks for the input! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's not fair, nor is it realistic. Plenty of people like this show. I'm right in the middle of liking and hating it, but I don't wish the show will be canceled out of childish spite. This show's existence hurts absolutely no one.
ReplyDeleteThis makes perfect sense.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I cant tell you how many times I have met a girl named Wendy & been offended when she wouldn't bring me a burger, chili & a drink.
I'm shocked British Columbia hasn't sued Supernatural yet. I mean we had the slogan "Super Natural B.C." before the show. Clearly tourists are staying away because they think we're all demons & werewolves.
And yet another demonstration of how the law can be used to absolutely irrelevant and nonsensical purposes.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand this show, but this is beyond pathetic. Likelihood of confusion? For my need to have any faith in humanity left, I refuse to believe that there could be people that dumb as to be confused by this. Come on UK, give your citizens some credit for intelligence. Blatant cash grab is blatant.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I hear you man. I live in Newfoundland, and Tourists are always shocked when they get here. There all 'but this place is New Found, how did you all build the houses so quickly?" :P
ReplyDeleteHaha I don't blame him...I go to the glee club, it is awesome with some amazing comedy acts and if I was the owner I wouldn't want to be associated with the TV program Glee either;) I agree with others though...the public are not that stupid they would confuse the 2.
ReplyDeletePossibly the stupidest case I've ever heard and a completely pointless one. The British people aren't that stupid that we would confuse something called The Glee Comedy Club with a show called Glee about a High school show choir. Waste of time and it seems pointless banning it in the UK when you can easily watch it via the internet anyway. Think this Mark guy just wanted some attention, he seems to be petty enough.
ReplyDeleteBwaaahaha
ReplyDeleteBwahaha!
ReplyDeleteAs I do not like the show I hope that it is banned....
ReplyDeletebut really I think only an idiot would assume that the glee club and the show are the same thing. Honestly, credit people with some intelligence please. the lawsuit just sounds like a pathetic attempt to get publicity.