Network Ten and SBS are engaged in a trademark battle over the term One, after both broadcasters lodged trademark applications for logos that contain the word.
SBS’s application to trademark their SBS One logo has attracted an objection from Network Ten, while Ten’s application for their ONE HD logo has been blocked by IP Australia, the government agency tasked with managing trademark applications. Ten’s objection to the SBS application is because according to the network, it may cause confusion:
”We have opposed it from the outset on the basis that we believe it’s confusing for viewers, given the pre-existing brand for our digital sports channel, which features the word ONE”
Meanwhile, IP Australia have stopped Ten from applying for a trademark on the word One, because the word is too generic, as it lacks distinctiveness. Ten have been successful in trade marking the tagline used on ONE for promotional use.
SBS reject Ten’s claim, saying that the usage of the term and the content shown on both channels are distinctive enough not to cause confusion.
Source: Media Spy.
