IPEC Finds Events Firm Infringed GQ Vanity Fair Marks

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court has ruled that Cornucopia Entertainment Limited and its managing director infringed registered trade marks owned by Advance Magazine Publishers Inc and The Condé Nast Publications Limited. The defendants advertised access to invitation-only events associated with Vanity Fair and GQ, including the Oscars party, Cannes party and GQ Men of the Year Awards, on their website and social media. The court held that the use went beyond mere information and amounted to transactional advertising suggesting a commercial connection. Infringement was established under sections 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1994, together with passing off. The director was held jointly liable for the section 10(3) infringements. No actual ticket sales were required to establish liability.

Small businesses should verify authorisation before referencing third-party brands in promotional materials.