Schuh Ltd v Shhhh Ltd [2011] ScotCS CSOH_123 (26 July 2011)

Schuh Ltd v Shhhh Ltd [2011] ScotCS CSOH_123 (26 July 2011)

The pursuers failed to establish a prima facie case that the defenders' sign and their mark are similar, and thus failed under s.10(2), s.10(3), and passing off. Even if a prima facie case had been made, the balance of convenience favoured the defenders, as granting interdict would irreparably damage their business while the pursuers were unlikely to suffer harm.

Citation
[2011] ScotCS CSOH_123
Parties
Pursuer: Schuh Limited; Defender: Shhh... Limited
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
26 July 2011
Procedural Posture
Interim Interdict Application / Motion for Interim Interdict
Outcome
motion for interim interdict refused
Legal Topics
Trade Mark Infringement, Passing Off, Interim Interdict

Case Brief

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Parties

Schuh Limited

Pursuer

Shhh... Limited

Defender

Procedural Posture

Interim Interdict Application / Motion for Interim Interdict

  1. 1 Whether the defenders' use of 'Shhh', 'shhh-oohs' or similar signs infringes the pursuers' registered trade mark 'Schuh' under s.10(2) and s.10(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1994
  2. 2 Whether the defenders' use constitutes passing off
  3. 3 Whether interim interdict should be granted

Ratio Decidendi

The pursuers failed to establish a prima facie case that the defenders' sign and their mark are similar, and thus failed under s.10(2), s.10(3), and passing off. Even if a prima facie case had been made, the balance of convenience favoured the defenders, as granting interdict would irreparably damage their business while the pursuers were unlikely to suffer harm.

Court Disposition

motion for interim interdict refused