A Liverpool-based small business owner, Ben McDonald, faces legal threats from Hugo Boss for using the term "Boss" in his pet wellness company, Boss Pets. After receiving a cease-and-desist letter, he expressed devastation, having invested all his savings into the startup. His lawyer claimed the threat was disproportionate, highlighting that McDonald's business would not affect Hugo Boss's profits. Hugo Boss defended its actions as necessary to protect trademark rights, regardless of the word's common usage, echoing past controversies regarding their aggressive trademark enforcement.
"My whole world collapsed," he said of the cease-and-desist letter. "I'm just a lad from Bootle trying to get a business off the ground."
"It's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in any way," he said, arguing the legal threat was disproportionate.
As an international fashion company, we need to - like any other corporation - take measures to protect our existing trademark rights.
We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used.
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