Manchester clothing firm wins trademark battle against luxury car firm

A Manchester clothing firm has won a High Court battle against luxury car maker Bentley.

A judged has found that the Cheshire car manufacturer infringed the trademark rights of Bentley Clothing by using the name on a range of goods.

Bentley Motors had launched a range of clothing but will no longer be able to use the name.

The car maker said it was “extremely disappointed” with the ruling and is considering an appeal.

Bentley Motors will also have to limit its future clothing products to jackets, silk ties, caps and scarves. The firm will not be allowed to sell other types of clothing or headgear.

Bentley Clothing launched the High Court Action two years ago.

Bentley Motors had also tried to cancel the clothing firm’s trademark rights at the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Judge Richard Hacon said that from around 2000 Bentley Motors made a conscious decision to develop the use of Bentley in relation to its clothing range.

Bentley Clothing director Christopher Lees told the BBC: “It’s been ruinous, financially and emotionally, and today’s decision is a huge relief.”

Bentley Motors may now have to pay damages and would also have to destroy any items which infringe the trademark.

Bentley Motors said: “We have been selling clothing for more than 30 years in the UK and at no point has there been any evidence of confusion with another company’s trademark.”