After the many logistical issues posed by both Brexit and the pandemic and with sustainability at the forefront of everyone's mind, it is perhaps not surprising that there has been a 130% increase in businesses accepted to use the MADE IN BRITAIN mark on their goods. (Many more have applied but not met the relevant criteria).
What is the legal framework that underpins this brand name and what exactly does "Made In Britain" mean?
Can anyone use MADE IN BRITAIN?
Made in Great Britain Campaign Ltd is a UK based company which owns and manages a collective UK trade mark for MADE IN BRITAIN (series of three figurative marks - one of which is below).
The mark is registered in 30 classes of goods (notable exclusions from the list of goods are meat, coffee, tea etc and tobacco). The mark can only be used by licensed members. These members must meet various criteria including the requirements that:
The relevant products must be manufactured in the UK
All members must use British workers and show that they try to source product materials as locally as possible
In order to qualify for and maintain membership, it is important to follow the Made in Britain code of conduct
Buyers Beware!
The organisation is not immune from IP infringement. They note on their website that 'There are similar marks being used by organisations that wish to emulate the success of the official Made in Britain mark. These copy-cat marks are not registered or protected and do not provide the guarantees given by the official Made in Britain organisation.'
IP sleuths can report these imposter marks through the organisation's website. Similarly, unlicensed users of the marks can be reported too.
To find out more about the issues raised in this blog contact Rosie Burbidge, Intellectual Property Partner at Gunnercooke LLP in London - rosie.burbidge@gunnercooke.com