Gucci forced to relinquish double G trademark in UK

The UK's Intellectual Property Office has revoked Gucci's right to the use of its GG (double G) logo. The IPO stated Gucci did not show sufficient use of the logo between 2003 and 2012. The logo was registered by Gucci 20 years ago.

 

Gucci can still use its interlocking double G logo, which it sells under class three. If previously registered its GG logo to be used on products including handbags, t-shirts, jewellery and cosmetics.

Gucci can

continue using interlocking G logo

Under British law, UK trademarks can be revoked if they are not used within five years of their registration.

In June 2012 Fashion rival Gerry Weber applied to revoke the mark for a lack of use, dating from 2003 to 2012, reports the World Intellectual Property Review. Gucci responded by providing figures of sales goods from those years, but didn't make clear as to whether or not these were UK-based.

The IPO deemed these too vague to be proof of genuine use, and revoked the mark covering classes 14, 18 and 25 - which means that the Italian brand no longer owns the trademark to those categories. There was thought to be enough evidence that the symbol was used in class three products, including "non-medicated toilet preparations, cosmetic preparations, perfumes, soaps, dentifrices, preparations for the hair; anti-perspirants, depilatory preparations".

Matt Sammon, partner at law firm Marks & Clerk, said the case exposed the lack of detail in Gucci’s evidence. “There were serious weaknesses in the evidence. You would assume they had a lot better evidence than that. The lack of evidence may have been down to a time constraint or overlooked, but I find it hard to imagine.”

Image: Gucci Logo