Hugo Boss wants Liverpool pet store to change name

An online pet health supplies shop has received a legal letter from Hugo Boss over its name.

Ben McDonald, from Bootle on Merseyside, set up Boss Pets in February, but this month received the letter from the designer brand demanding he stop using the word, which is widely used in the area to suggest something is great.

Mr McDonald said his "whole world collapsed" after being told he faced the potential legal battle over concerns people might think the companies were linked.

A spokeswoman for Hugo Boss said: "We are aware that the English word boss is one that is commonly used."

She added that "nevertheless, its our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed".

"When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks.

"As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO."

She said the firm "only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides".

Mr McDonalds own lawyers have argued that the firm, a pet health supplies business, was operating in an entirely different sector, using a commonly used term, and that there was no likelihood of confusion.

Mr McDonald, who described himself as "just a lad from Bootle", said he had been given 10 days to take down his website or face legal action.

He said he had spent "every spare penny" on his new website for his pet-related products.

His lawyer Francis McEntegart said Mr McDonald did not have a case to answer and was accusing the clothes retailer of bullying his client.

"My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, its not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in any way."

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