Playing a blinder

A man in Perthshire faces legal action from a TV production company over plans to rename his business ‘Peaky Blinders’, The Courier reports.

Will Robertson, who owns Sweeney Todd barbers on South Street in Perth, has received a writ from Chiever Brand Protection which states that he is attempting to “free-ride” on the reputation of the TV show, asserting passing off.

The show depicts a Victorian criminal gang that was active between the 1890s and 1910 and stars Cillian Murphy as “Tommy Shelby”.

Mr Robertson, who has already received 20,000 orders for a Peaky Blinders hair gel, is worried about the costs of the action.

He said: “There are other businesses that use the name, such as a new bar in Liverpool, so I don’t really understand it.”

He added: “My granddad was nicknamed Peaky Blinder so that’s where we got the idea.

“I don’t know if we are able to take on such a big company.

“If you lose in court you could be looking at paying half-a-million pounds,” he said.

The writ, sent by Endemol Shine Group, states: “Given the success of the Peaky Blinders television series, it seems that with the registration and (future) use of the name Peaky Blinders you are attempting to free-ride on the reputation of the television show.

“Additionally, the connection between Peaky Blinders and razor blades and … the distinct haircut of the lead character could create a connection with grooming.

“By using and/or registering the name PEAKY BLINDERS you will likely mislead the public into believing that your goods and services are Mandabach’s.

“We request you to reconsider your position, withdraw UK trademark application, Peaky Blinders, and agree that you will not use this mark or marks similar to the Peaky Blinders name, now and in the future.”

Mr Robertson has launched a Gofundme page to help with legal costs.