Hugo Boss has ordered a Liverpool-based pet products company to take down its website over claims the company was infringing its trademark.
The luxury brand sent a letter to Ben McDonald, owner of Boss Pets, to stop using the word, which is commonly used in the area to describe something great, the BBC reported.
McDonald was given 10 days to take down his company’s website, which was set up in February, or face legal action.
A spokesperson for Hugo Boss said she was aware of the colloquial use of the word, but that the company needed to “protect our brand rights”.
She said the brand “only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides”.
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“We are aware that the English word ‘boss’ is one that is commonly used,” she said. “Nevertheless, it’s our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed.”
This includes Hugo Boss’ existing trademark rights to both its brands, Boss and Hugo, she added.
“When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks.”
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