British dentists smiling after defeating Lacoste croc attack

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Two British dentists were smiling Thursday after trade watchdogs rejected a bid by fashion giant Lacoste to prevent them using a crocodile similar to its own logo as their company symbol.

The French clothing giant brought legal action claiming that the grinning reptile used by The Dental Practice in Cheltenham, western England, was too much like its globally-recognized green croc.

But the UK Intellectual Property Office this week dismissed the claim that the emblem chosen by dentists Tim Rumney and Simon Moore could confuse shoppers and potentially harm Lacoste's business.

"We are happy the situation has been resolved but astonished by the length of time it took to reach this conclusion," said the pair, who triggered Lacoste's ire when they...