Victoria and Lawrence Osborne founded the business in 2021. Pictured with his son Lochlan. Photo: EDP/SWNS
A Norfolk couple have won their battle with one of the world's richest men over the name of their home and gardening business.
A court this week ruled in favor of Victoria and Laurence Osborne, LV Bespoke, after French luxury goods giant LVMH launched a trademark dispute against the couple.
LVMH, whose brands include Louis Vuitton and Dior, is owned by Bernard Arnault, who rivals Elon Musk for the title of richest man in the world.
Victoria and Lawrence Osborne trademarked their company name LV Bespoke in 2021 after setting up the company during the pandemic.
However, they subsequently received a formal letter of opposition to their trademark on behalf of Louis Vuitton, which claims the couple's logo could cause “consumer confusion,” according to legal documents.
LMVH, owned by Bernard Arnault, argued that LV Bespoke would cause “confusion”; Photo: (AP Photo/Michelle Euler
After a two-year battle, Intellectual Property Office judge Matthew Williams ruled that Louis Vuitton's trademark challenge “failed on all grounds” and ordered the company to pay the couple £4,000. Louis Vuitton has the right to appeal the decision.
Ms Osborne said she hoped the case would help set a precedent for other small businesses facing pressure from larger companies over trademarks.
This echoes similar cases, such as the 2017 dispute between craft brewer BrewDog and Birmingham bar Lone Wolf, which was pressured by BrewDog's lawyers to change its name because it was similar to the name of the company's alcohol brand. Its chief executive, James Watt, blamed “provocative happy lawyers” and apologized after public backlash.
The couple made metal crowns for the topiary lawn at Sandringham Estate. Photo: L V Bespoke
Ms Osborne said: “We had to fight. And at that time we were wondering what to do, because obviously this could have huge financial consequences.”
Mr Osborne previously ran a joinery business which has since ceased trading and Ms Osborne has gone on holiday. let, which has struggled during the pandemic after travel restrictions were put in place during lockdown.
During the pandemic, the couple began making and selling metal plant supports and other garden decorations, which they sold on social media and at local car trunk sales. when restrictions were eased.
They have since been exhibited at major events such as Gardeners World Live, and were even commissioned by King Charles' Sandringham Estate to make metal crowns for his topiary lawn.
“It was a huge decision to fight. But I felt it was worth fighting for,” Ms Osborne added. “The evidence they've presented as opposition just doesn't seem realistic.
“It's just absurd to think they're challenging on the basis that they did it.”
With Louis Vuitton contacted for comments.
Recent Comments