Rihanna’s successful court battle against Topshop may seem a world away from your local High Street.
Pop stars suing retail giants over use of their image on a T-shirt may not sound like something you have to worry about.
But “passing off” is something that should concern every business. Especially in the age of social media.
Our commercial litigation solicitors regularly see cases of “passing off” – one company concerned that another is costing them business by misleading the public as to the source of goods or services.
And passing off is not always deliberate. Frequently it can be an honest mistake by a company that launched a product or service without first doing sufficient research.
Here’s the problem…
Today the internet and social media make it much easier for companies to monitor their brands all over the globe. All it takes is the click of a mouse.
As with many aspects of the law, prevention is better than cure.
Let our commercial solicitors advise you of any potential pitfalls before they occur. It saves going to court later on. Less expense, less stress.
And that approach does not just apply to passing off – it’s something we would recommend for business and employment contract disputes, intellectual property and landlord and tenant issues.
Worried about passing off? Need help with litigation or dispute resolution? Contact your nearest Coles Miller office and speak with our commercial team.