Pictured above: Pina McAleer
Retail analysts predict next month's Royal Wedding between
Prince William and Kate Middleton, could generate more than
£600 million for the UK economy.
But Harvey Ingram IP lawyer Pina McAleer, is urging companies
producing memorabilia for the big day to take care and ensure they
don't fall foul of the Royal Family's intellectual property
rights.
The Royal Family's trade marks can't be used. These include the
Royal Arms, a representation of the Royal crown or flags, a
representation of Her Majesty the Queen, or any words, letters or
logos that may suggest that the user has any kind of Royal
patronage or authorisation.
Pina McAleer says: "The good news is that Prince William has
authorised a temporary relaxation of restrictions for use of Royal
photographs commemorating his engagement and marriage - subject to
certain specific conditions which can be found at the Lord
Chamberlain's Office."
If memorabilia carries an approved photograph of the couple in a
permanent form, uses the wording: 'To commemorate the marriage of
Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton, 29th April
2011' and is free from any advert or suggested Royal approval, then
it should be okay.
Care must be taken not to suggest, imply or infer any kind of
Royal endorsement, or use inappropriate photographs. The approach
adopted by Prince William is also very different to London 2012,
which is far stricter for the upcoming Olympic Games.
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