Laceys Solicitors Laceys is a leading, forward-thinking law firm with specialist experts serving both individual and business clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas.

Navigation
If Social Services have notified you about legal proceedings concerning your child please call 01202 377995.

News

Back

brand sign

What’s in a name? Plenty of money if you are part of Brand Beckham!

20th April 2017 by Sam Freeman

Categories: Business News, Entertainment News
Tags: , , , ,

Modelling, photography, singing; the Beckhams seem to have done it all – and that’s just the children! “Brand Beckham” is an unstoppable force at the moment, and experts estimated their total wealth to be £508 million in 2016 (somewhat overshadowing the Queen’s supposed fortune of £340 million).

Victoria Beckham has now managed to successfully register each of her children’s names as trade marks in the EU. David and Victoria currently hold the rights of the youngest three children’s registration as guardians, given that the former are currently minors.

Whilst some have shown surprise at this move (Piers Morgan has criticised the Beckhams for “putting these kids into the public domain while simultaneously saying privacy”), the reality is that more than one celebrity has previously struggled to prevent their name being used by others as a result of failing to register the right trade mark. Kylie Minogue and Kylie Jenner are a prime example of how easily a celebrity’s name (and therefore business) can be affected by the rise of another “star” with a similar or the same name.

Whatever your thoughts may be regarding the Beckham family, as a trade mark lawyer I would advise anyone to register their branding where possible if it is valuable to them – not only does it make it easier to protect the brand, but it also increases the value to your business. It also provides confidence to those you are dealing with (such as investors, distributors or agents) that you have proper ownership of your brand, reducing the risk and cost of legal battles later on down the line. Registering Harper, Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn’s names will undoubtedly make it easier for the Beckhams to prevent others from using these marks without their permission.

Whilst still young, many of the Beckham children are already starting to develop their own public personas and create their own businesses. Both Brooklyn and Romeo have appeared in high profile advertising campaigns, whilst 12 year old Cruz is actively pursuing a music career. Having registered trademarks will help them gain a level of control over these commercial exploits.

In a world where it is becoming harder and harder to be truly unique and original it is becoming increasingly important to protect your trademarks. All that remains to be seen is how the Beckham children will make use of their new rights.

If you would like any further information on protecting your branding please contact Sam Freeman on 01202 557256 or at s.freeman@laceyssolicitors.co.uk.

Sam Freeman

Partner — Corporate and Commercial

Direct dial: 01202 377878

Email

Sam Freeman profile image
  • “First Class Service. ....Sam and Victoria were an absolute pleasure to work with whilst expertly guiding us through the pitfalls of the merger. I would highly recommend anyone considering an acquisition or merger to speak with Sam.”

    Caroline Kelleway, Burns Property Management and Lettings Limited

  • “Thoroughly professional and helpful advice at all times.”

    G & H Walford-Howell

  • “I launched POW Energy Water with 15 years experience in food and drink, but no experience in the legalities of setting up and structuring a business. Sam and his team have been fantastic helping me secure finance and trademarks, ensuring I am safe in the knowledge that my back is covered so I can concentrate on growing by business.”

    Ed Woolner, Founder & Managing Director - POW Energy Water

  • “Sam Freeman is an excellent solicitor who is extremely knowledgeable and who shows great patience and kindness when dealing with someone who is unfamiliar with legal matters.”

    Jane Balmforth

  • “Straight forward and easy to work with and very helpful.”

    Adrian Broom

  • “Sam is very good at understanding what we need, even if we aren't that clear. He keeps us up to date and gives clear concise advice when needed.”

    Judith Young

Sam Freeman heads up our Corporate and Commercial team. He is a vastly experienced corporate lawyer having advised a wide variety of businesses within a range of sectors, for a number of years, having qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. 

Sam’s particular specialisms include share and assets acquisitions and disposals, company restructures, shareholder agreements and partnerships. Sam enjoys helping people succeed in business regardless of whether the client is a small local set up or a large national organisation. Whatever the concern, Sam provides a calm personable approach to his work ensuring clients are guided in a practical straightforward manner.

Away from work Sam enjoys spending time with his family and this years new edition, Merlin the Great Dane, and anything sport related, especially playing golf.

Related articles

Due diligence – ensuring a business acquisition benefits from the contracts

If you have spotted a great business acquisition opportunity and the headline figures look superb, how do...

Read Article

trademark

Could a registered trade mark protect your business on social media?

While social media can be hugely beneficial for many businesses, it is not without its problems. Organisations...

Read Article

Close X