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Glee comedy club owners win legal battle over trademark Glee comedy club owners win legal battle over trademark
(35 minutes later)
A comedy club chain has won a long-running legal battle against the makers of US television show Glee. A comedy club chain has won a "David and Goliath" legal battle against the makers of US television show Glee.
Comic Enterprises had argued that 20th Century Fox's production had breached its trademark rights to the phrase The Glee Club.Comic Enterprises had argued that 20th Century Fox's production had breached its trademark rights to the phrase The Glee Club.
A High Court judge ruled in the UK company's favour but said it had not been damaged.A High Court judge ruled in the UK company's favour but said it had not been damaged.
The owner of the comedy and music venue chain, Mark Tughan, said he felt vindicated by the ruling.The owner of the comedy and music venue chain, Mark Tughan, said he felt vindicated by the ruling.
Speaking after the hearing, he said: "It's a relief because you can't get any more David and Goliath than this.
"I always knew it would be a career-defining situation but I did not take it on for the fun of it - I took it on to win."
He said he registered the trademark in 1999 and launched legal proceedings against 20th Century Fox in September 2011.
Deputy High Court Judge Roger Wyand QC made no mention of any compensation in his written ruling but did state subsequent issues would be studied at another hearing.Deputy High Court Judge Roger Wyand QC made no mention of any compensation in his written ruling but did state subsequent issues would be studied at another hearing.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Tughan said: "It's a trademark issue, it's being going on for about two or three years. We're talking about both of us being in the entertainment business, both with almost identical names. The Glee Club has branches in Birmingham, Cardiff, Nottingham and Oxford.
"Back in the 90s, I registered a trademark for The Glee Club. Then along comes the Glee TV show and causes a bit of confusion, or a reasonable amount of confusion, with the public. The American teen television show Glee first aired in 2009 on the Fox Channel which is used by media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
"I lost a reasonable amount of business, particularly among the younger demographic, who think we might be something to do with the TV show. Reluctantly, I took matters to court and I've won." It follows the musical adventures of pupils at William McKinley High School.
"I presented a substantial body of evidence that we and our brand was being damaged and the judge agreed with us."