MUMBAI: Twentieth Century Fox’s hit musical comedy Glee could possibly be taken of air in the UK. Reports state that the owner of a comedy club chain, Mark Tughan, filed a lawsuit against Fox for breaching its rights to use the ‘Glee Club’ trademark. After a long running legal battle, a High Court judge, on Friday, ruled in the favour of Comic Enterprises, which is owned by Tughan.
Speaking about infringing the trademark, Deputy Judge Roger Wyand QC said, “continued use cannot be in accordance with honest practices.” Although there was no mention of compensation in the written ruling, he stated that another hearing would address subsequent matters.
The ruling could result in the popular music show being taken off UK TV screens, where it is broadcasted by Sky, a Murdoch owned company. It is also possible that Glee music downloads could be stopped, and DVDs and other merchandise could be removed from UK stores.
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Tughan who was relieved after the hearing said, “It’s a trademark issue, it’s being going on for about two or three years. We’re talking about both of us being in the entertainment business, both with almost identical names.” He added that ‘The Glee Club’ trademark was registered by him in the 90s. However, the emergence of the TV show- Glee caused a “reasonable amount of confusion” with people.
“I lost a reasonable amount of business, particularly among the younger demographic, who think we might be something to do with the TV show. Reluctantly, I took matters to court and I’ve won,” he finished.
Glee, the TV series, which is based on a show choir from the fictional William McKinley High School, first aired in the UK in early 2010. The show is currently in its fifth season and will air its 100th episode on 25 February in the US.
