Reform using ‘Made in Britain’ logo… without permission from ‘Made in Britain’

The i Paper

3 hours ago

YoyoFeed Summarized

Reform UK has been using a logo resembling the official "Made in Britain" trademark on promotional T-shirts without authorization from either of the two UK trademark schemes. These shirts, priced between £39 and £359, feature a logo with the Union Flag and "Made in Britain" in bold capital letters, which is strikingly similar to those used by MadeinBritain.org and MadeinBritain.co.

Both organizations require accredited companies to undergo audits and pay fees to use their logos, and neither gave permission to Reform UK. Reform UK reportedly stopped communicating with MadeinBritain.co when asked for proof of UK manufacturing for the shirts.

While Reform UK claims the logo is "materially different" and simply denotes UK origin, legal experts suggest that even "confusingly similar" logos can constitute trademark infringement. Reform UK states all their shirts are made in Britain, and one shirt purchased by The i Paper had a Leicester-based supplier address, though no manufacturing occurred at that specific office.

What is the main controversy surrounding Reform UK's use of the 'Made in Britain' logo?

Reform UK is accused of using a logo that closely resembles the official 'Made in Britain' trademark on its promotional merchandise without obtaining permission from the trademark holders, MadeinBritain.org and MadeinBritain.co. This is seen as potential trademark infringement and misleading consumers.

What has been the reaction from the official 'Made in Britain' trademark organizations?

Spokespersons from both MadeinBritain.org and MadeinBritain.co have expressed strong disapproval. They describe the unauthorized use as a 'disgrace' and a misuse of their logos for political fundraising, noting that their members work hard to earn the right to use the trademark.

Has Reform UK provided evidence that the shirts are made in Britain?

Reform UK claims that all their shirts are made in Britain. However, MadeinBritain.co stated that Reform UK stopped responding when asked to provide evidence of UK manufacturing during the accreditation process.