Dr. Chris Brown wins his two-year legal battle with a rival pet food brand
Dr. Chris Brown wins his two-year legal battle with rival pet food brand over the ‘Drool’ name
Dr. Chris Brown has won a two-year legal battle over the use of the word “drool” in dog food.
The TV vet, currently in South Africa I’m A Celeb Get Me Out of Here! host, filed a lawsuit against rival pet food brand Vetalogica in 2021 after they attempted to trademark their product under the name ‘Drolies’.
Dr. Chris, 44, argued that it was too similar to his ‘Drool by Dr. Chris Brown,” which sells dog food, treats, laundry detergent, and ear sanitizer.
The Australian Trade Marks Office ruled that the use of ‘droolies’ would lead to ‘striking similarities between the respective trademarks’ which could lead to public confusion.
Dr. Chris Brown has won a two-year legal battle over the use of the word “drool” in dog food
Public records show that the agency believes Dr. Chris had ‘a very substantial and well-established following of Australian consumers’.
“In general, I believe that given the reputation which the brand (Dr. Brown’s) has acquired, a significant number of consumers would have at least reasonable doubt about the existence of some connection between (Drool) and (Drolies) if it would be used on the pet food specified in the filing,” the office wrote.
The popularity of Dr. Chris’ treats and the number of hits on his website were also points in favor of the Bondi-based vet.
Dr. Chris argued that his brand, founded in 2019, had a reputation in Australia, but Vetalogica’s Droolies trademark was accepted in 2021.
The TV vet, currently in South Africa I’m A Celeb Get Me Out of Here! host, filed a lawsuit against rival pet food brand Vetalogica in 2021 after they attempted to trademark their product under the name ‘Droolies’
Public records show that the agency believes Dr. Chris had ‘a very substantial and well-established following of Australian consumers’.
Dr. Chris opposed the registration soon after, leading to a protracted battle.
In February, Chris, who rose to fame as the Bondi Vet, left Channel 10 after 15 years, becoming the latest high-profile star to disembark from the struggling network.
He signed a deal with Seven and will officially join in July to produce ‘new projects’ for Channel Seven and 7Plus.
Chris first joined Ten in 2008 to host Bondi Vet which became a surprise hit and was syndicated around the world.
The actual series was based on his practical experience as a veterinarian at Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital in Sydney’s east.
He became a part-time panelist on The Project and also co-hosted I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and The Living Room, which was axed last year.
In February, it was revealed that Chris quit Channel 10 after 15 years and became the latest high-profile star to disembark from the struggling network. Pictured: Chris and Julia Morris