When Dolleymores first opened its doors in 1969, the UK’s first trade mark had already been registered for 90 years, from 1876.
The number one mark, which is still “live”, features the Bass Company’s red triangle on a representation of its beer bottle label. This mark has appeared not only on beer bottles but also in famous artwork, namely Manet’s "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" from 1882, appearing on a bottle on the bar itself!
It is unclear whether Manet was aware of the historical significance of including the red triangle mark, but maybe he was.
The UK trade mark registration was allegedly obtained by Bass’ largest drayman waiting at the top of the Registry steps overnight, and securing his position at the counter by virtue of his size and “insistence” on being first in line.
Of course, trade mark law applies equally to large companies or single applicants and the use of a large drayman to win cases would now be frowned upon. Here at Dolleymores, we represent clients consisting of every size from local individual applicants and SMEs through to international corporations, as well as working with associates in the majority of countries worldwide.
On a personal note, the writer of this article still has the presentation certificate awarded for the filing of UK trademark registration number 2,000,004 - the fourth application filed under the 1994 Act. How far we’ve come!