Ferguson refused trademark on his name
Helen Carter
Saturday October 8, 2005
Guardian
Sir Alex Ferguson has failed in an attempt to make his name a trademark because he is "devoid of any distinctive character".
The Manchester United manager wanted exclusive rights to use his full name on 100 goods and services such as posters and stickers to prevent traders cashing in on him.
In a written ruling, Judge Charles Hamilton said: "The name Alex Ferguson is not an unusual way of describing the applicant's goods. I therefore find the mark is devoid of any distinctive character."
Sir Alex has yet to receive the Patent Office's ruling on other goods such as DVDs, games, clothes and toys.
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