Easy life, a band from Leicester, is facing legal action from easyJet’s parent company, easyGroup, over their name. The company claims that the name is too similar to its brand, and that the band has produced T-shirts and posters that infringe its trademark. EasyGroup further alleges that the band’s website is comparable to easyJet branding and that they are using its reputation to boost their own.
The band has responded by stating that they have worked hard to establish their name and that they have never had any impact on easyGroup’s business. Despite finding the whole situation hilarious, the band feels powerless against such a massive corporation. Additionally, other companies, including one of the UK’s largest catalogue retailers, called Easylife, pay annual royalties for the use of “easy” in their business strategies.
Trademark specialist Leanne Hall at Serjeants in Leicester stated that easyGroup has a reputation for taking “a lot of action” when it comes to protecting its brand. She noted that it’s a David vs. Goliath battle that tends to get attention from the media since it isn’t deemed fair but they have the reputation to try and do it. EasyGroup has previously taken legal action against several companies over the use of the “easy” brand such as easyCurry and Netflix.
The band may have to change their name if easyGroup’s legal action proves successful. A spokesperson for easyGroup stated that they could not allow others to use their brand name “free, gratis, and for nothing.” EasyGroup has over 100 companies, including easyJet, and has worked diligently to build up the reputation of the “easy” brand.
In conclusion, Easy life faces a daunting challenge since easyGroup is determined to protect its brand at all costs. This may not be a fair fight, but if successful, the case could require the band to modify their name
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