Burberry To Lose Rights To Its Famous Check?

Burberry has appealed against a decision made by Chinese authorities who have cancelled the trademark protection for its famous check, the Haymarket, when used on leather goods. The change will not be implemented until the appeal has been heard.

"The Burberry check remains a registered trademark owned exclusively by Burberry and no other parties can use the mark without Burberry's proper authorisation," the company said. "Burberry always takes the strongest possible action against those who use its trademarks unlawfully … We are confident that our appeal will be successful."

Burberry

The decision was made because local authorities argue that the British label hasn't used the check enough within the past three years, the Guardian  reports. The brand has fought counterfeit battles for years, but the ruling means that copying the check will potentially be legal in China.

Burberry's check is now so synonymous with the brand that Scotland's tartan register describes it as a "corporate tartan".