Latest news with #petshop
The Independent
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Hugo Boss demands Liverpool pet shop changes name
A pet shop owner received a legal letter from fashion giant Hugo Boss due to the name of his company. Ben McDonald, from Bootle in Merseyside, said his 'whole world collapsed' when he received a letter from the global clothing brand over his shop Boss Pets. The business owner, who set up the online pet health supplies store in February, said the letter sent this month demanded he change the name – even though the word 'boss' is widely used in the area to describe something as really good. Mr McDonald claimed he was told by Hugo Boss to take down his website within 10 days after concerns the companies could be seen as linked were raised. Describing himself as 'just a lad from Bootle', he told the BBC he spent 'every spare penny' on his pet-related products website. The fashion house has previously allegedly targeted small companies and charities who use the word 'boss' in their names. A Hugo Boss spokesperson told the broadcaster: 'We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used.' They continued: 'Nevertheless, it's our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed.' They added: 'When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks. 'As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO.' They explained that the firm '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'. Comedian Joe Lycett legally changed his name to Hugo Boss in 2020 after calling out the luxury company for allegedly costing small businesses, including Swansea brewery company Boss Brewing, 'thousands in legal fees and rebranding'. Mr McDonald's own lawyers have argued that his business is operating in a different sector, namely pet health supplies, and that the term is commonly used – therefore, they say there is no chance of confusion between the two firms. Francis McEntegart said his client does not have a case to answer and accused the designer brand of bullying Mr McDonald. He said: 'My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, it's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in any way.'
BBC News
19 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Hugo Boss in legal threat to Merseyside pet shop over name
A Merseyside online pet shop has found itself in the sights of a major international fashion retailer over a word in its name. Ben McDonald, from Bootle in Merseyside, set up Boss Pets in February, but this month received a letter from Hugo Boss demanding he stop using the word, which is widely used in the area to suggest something is great. Mr McDonald said his "whole world collapsed" after being told he faced the potential legal battle over concerns people might think the companies were linked. A spokeswoman for Hugo Boss said: "We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used." She added that "nevertheless, it's our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed"."When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks."As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO."She said the firm "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". 'Lad from Bootle' Mr McDonald's own lawyers have argued that the firm was operating in an entirely different sector, using a commonly used term, and that there was no likelihood of McDonald, who described himself as "just a lad from Bootle", said he had been given 10 days to take down his website or face legal said he had spent "every spare penny" on his new website for his pet-related lawyer Francis McEntegart said Mr McDonald did not have a case to answer and was accusing the clothes retailer of bullying his client."My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, it's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in anyway." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Man arrested over robbing Hong Kong pet shop with fruit knife
A man has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Hong Kong pet shop at knifepoint, with police tracking down the suspect within less than nine hours of the incident after reviewing footage from cameras installed as part of a citywide surveillance push. Inspector Wong Ka-hung from the Tuen Mun district crime squad said on Sunday that the man was suspected of entering the shop on Tsing Pak Path with a 30cm (11.8-inch) knife at around 3.30pm the day before and intimidating a female employee into handing over money and valuables collectively worth about HK$2,400 (US$307) from the store's cash register and her purse. 'The Tuen Mun police district devoted substantial manpower to the case; mobilising officers from the crime, intelligence and anti-triad sections, as well as task force personnel to review large amounts of surveillance footage captured near the site,' Wong said. The inspector said the suspect had fled the scene after obtaining the valuables, while the shop worker had contacted her supervisor and police. Wong said the suspect was arrested in Tuen Mun at midnight after officers gathered information on the alleged perpetrator's physical appearance and the route he took to leave the scene. Some of the footage in the case came from devices installed as part of a citywide policy to boost the number of surveillance cameras. The force began installing the cameras in April of last year, with 615 cameras already set up by the end of 2024.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Man on Boyes bargain store quest visits 'viral' shop
A man who has set himself a goal to visit every Boyes store in the UK has made his way to the town where its unique positioning next to a pet shop made it a viral hit retired Jonathan Scandrett, from Stokesley in North Yorkshire, has been a long-time fan of the bargain stores and wants to visit all 81 shops by 61 on his list was the store in the Fenland town of March, which for years has sat next to a pet store - now redundant - on Station Road, recreating the name of the British pop store put out balloons for Mr Scandrett's arrival - but there was no time for rest, and he hoped to complete his quest in Hull at the weekend. Speaking of his journey so far, Mr Scandrett said: "I reckon it has cost around £400 in bus fares and £1,600 in hotels and food. "I did ask my wife to accompany me, but I don't think she was too keen." The 60-year-old said he "loves to tick-off lists" and was a "long-time fan of buses and Boyes stores", so thought combining the two would make an "interesting challenge".He said: "Some [people] go trainspotting, but I thought Boyes have 81 stores on the mainland in the UK and I set myself up on an adventure to visit every one by bus."I made up the rules, so I can break them, which I had to when the bus from Abergavenny to Hereford didn't show up, so I had to pay £70 for a taxi ride instead."Mr Scandrett said he had bought a packet of wildflower seeds at every store and intended to distribute them to local schools on his return. The Cambridgeshire town of March has a habit of hitting the headlines for its quirks, including for its "Pet Shop Boyes" stores and its wonky Christmas Wilding, 26, the store supervisor in the local branch of Boyes, said Mr Scandrett's visit had certainly made a talking point."We made up a nice welcome sign outside the store with colourful balloons and it has put us on the map," she said."Most of the Boyes shops are up north and on the coast, so we feel we get forgotten about a bit." Far from ending his "tick-off list" adventures, Mr Scandrett said he next planned to visit every Scottish football league stadium. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
