Ian Woodroffe, the founder of easyfundraising Ltd., and investors The Support Group (UK) Ltd. were sued by EasyGroup, which has a long history of pursuing companies it claims have violated its trademarks.
They also consist of easyHotel and easyBus.
EasyGroup’s allegations were, however, rejected by Mr. Justice Fancourt, who stated that “it is unlikely that any but a few would make the association and be confused” between the two companies.
“Users of easyfundraising’s advertising services would be least likely to be confused,” he continued, “since they were likely to be professionals or businesspeople who are cautious and sophisticated and who are therefore unlikely to think that easyfundraising.
Another pillar of easyGroup’s argument was its assessment of easyfundraising’s unfavorable reputation.
In addressing the matter, the judge pointed out that “many retailers, including well-known and reputable high street brands like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, demonstrate that retailers do not share the claimant’s view that easyfundraising has a poor reputation.” These retailers have been using easyfundraising for years to advertise.
