- EasyGroup, the company that owns the EasyJet brand among many others, has lost a High Court trademark dispute against two footwear businesses, Easyfeetstore and Easyfeet Inc, over their use of the word 'easy' in branding.
- The legal challenge, initiated by EasyGroup, argued that the footwear companies infringed seven of its trademarks, including the prominent EasyJet brand.
- Judge Richard Hacon dismissed the claim, ruling that 'easy' was the only similarity between the trademarks and the footwear companies' signs, and there was 'no likelihood' of customer confusion.
- The judge further stated that EasyGroup had not suffered 'detriment' and no 'unfair advantage' was gained by the footwear companies.
- EasyGroup, which has a history of similar trademark disputes, announced its intention to appeal the judgment, believing it undermines the ability of brand owners to protect consumers from confusion.
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