Britain's High Court ruled Friday that
the musical TV show
must change its name because it
breaches the trademark of a chain of
comedy clubs.
A judge told Twentieth Century Fox
that it had to re-name the series in
Britain, though the orderwon't take
effect until an appeal has been heard.
The studio was sued by Comic
Enterprises, which operates a string of
venues called The Glee Club.
Judge Roger Wyand ruled in favor of
Comic Enterprises in February, saying
there was a "likelihood of confusion"
between the two brands.
Fox said it would appeal, and argued
that ordering a name change would be
unnecessary, unfair and
disproportionate.
But the judge concluded Friday that
"Glee" had to go.
"I find it hard to believe that the cost of
the re-titling and publicizing of the
new name would be so prohibitive
compared to the value of the series," he
said. "I was told many times during the
course of the trial how this series is a
'blockbuster.'"
The judge said it was possible
the Court of Appeal would take a
different view, so he put the re-
naming order on hold until appeal
judges have analyzed the case.
Comic Enterprises is also seeking
damages. The judge said the final
amount would be determined later,
but ordered Twentieth Century Fox to
make an interim payment of 100,000
pounds ($170,000).
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