Protecting your Business from ‘Passing-Off’

25th October 2011

Protecting your Business from ‘Passing-Off’

When your business is successful, and builds up an excellent reputation and customer goodwill, competitors may try to pass themselves off as your company in order to “steal” some of your business.

What is Passing-Off?

The most common form of passing-off is when a competitor uses a similar name to that of your business. The unscrupulous competitor could trade using a name similar to yours, perhaps with only a slight change which a customer might not notice. As a result that customer could go to this competitor in error, rather than yourself, resulting in a loss of business for you. Furthermore if your competitor is not as good, your reputation could plummet.

The actions of the competitor here do not have to be intentional, and you can go to Court to protect your business.

Other common forms of passing-off include using a similar logo to you, or advertising using similar or same slogans etc. These things can confuse customers, re-directing their business elsewhere.

What problems can Passing-Off cause?

Obviously your business may lose out on customers who have been led to believe that another business is actually you, and you might not even know about it! Not only do you lose these customers, you can also lose their repeat business. Furthermore if that competitor’s business is not as good as yours, your reputation can be damaged and adverse publicity may follow. It can be very difficult to quantify how much loss or damage a passing-off can cause.

What can you do about Passing-Off?

You might be able to get an injunction stopping your competitor from using the offending name, logo or advertisement, as well as getting compensation not only for loss of earnings but also for any gain made by the competitor from using your name etc.

If you think that someone is passing-off as your business, then you need to take action straight away. Often the offending business, when confronted, will back down and refrain from using the offending name etc. If they don’t, then you need to take the appropriate legal action to protect your business.

For advice on passing-off actions or any issue as to intellectual property please contact Daven Naghen on 01775 722261, daven.naghen@maplessolicitors.com or at 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH or Gemma Mayer on 01775 722261, gemma.mayer@maplessolicitors.com or at 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH.

Testimonials

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

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James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.

Protecting your Business from ‘Passing-Off’