Wagatha Christie: The Trade Mark
Wagatha Christie has been registered as a UK trade mark, and much like the original trial this has attracted significant media attention.
We can only speculate as to why the mark has been registered; perhaps there is an intention to capitalise on the attention of the trial and subsequent play and TV drama with a range of Wagatha Christie branded goods. Perhaps there is a control element, to attempt to stop others marketing goods under this name and hope the saga disappears.
The registration covers an eclectic range of goods and services, including "Sanitisers for household use", "Whisks, electric, for household purposes; Sewing machines for household purposes; Mincers [electric] for household use", and "Household shears" along with more traditional types of merchandise goods. However, clothing is not part of the registration; that remains the subject of a separate application that is under opposition.
It will be interesting to see how the registration is utilised. There will no doubt be PR aspects to consider before undertaking enforcement action to stop others using Wagatha Christie in the course of trade.
Whilst we must watch and wait to see what will happen next, this is a reminder of the value of a trade mark registration, which is a powerful right.
Vardy unsuccessfully sued Rooney at the High Court last year for claiming to have deduced that Vardy had been leaking stories about her to the press.
The case was dubbed Wagatha Christie - a reference to both women as wives and girlfriends (Wags) of footballers, and mystery author Agatha Christie.
