Dental practice wins croc case

A dental practice in Gloucestershire has won its bid to keep a grinning crocodile as its trademark.

Fashion giant Lacoste took action against the practice, claiming the cartoon reptile was strikingly similar to its famous logo, which could cause confusion and damage the chain’s business.

After three years, Britain’s Intellectual Property Office has thrown out claims that the emblems are too similar.

Dentist Tim Rumney said he and practice partner Simon Moore are pleased the situation has been resolved.

“We do not consider ourselves to be in the same market place at all and do not see that we are treading on any toes. We chose the sign with little second thought,” he commented.

The judge commented that the services and products the two organisations offered are so different that it is extremely unlikely would-be purchasers will be confused and ordered Lacoste to contribute to the dentists’ legal costs.