VICTORIA Beckham has lost a trademark war against a beauty brand — because she is not famous enough in Norway.
Posh Spice argued that Norwegian firm Vendela Beauty’s VB logo would be confused with her global brand.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Victoria Beckham has lost a trademark war against a beauty brand — because she is not famous enough in NorwayCredit: GettyVendela Kirsebom had filed a trademark application in September 2021 for her beauty brandCredit: Getty
She claimed both the designs were dominated by the letters VB, the layout was almost identical, and both businesses sell similar products.
The fashion designer, 51, provided Instagram followers, international magazine features and sales figures to prove she had a big presence in the country.
But Norway’s patent body decided that there was not enough evidence her brand was well-known enough in the Nordic state — and ruled they were different enough to avoid confusion.
Ex-swimwear model Vendela Kirsebom had filed a trademark application in September 2021 for her beauty brand, which sells a range of skincare, makeup, hair care and fragrance products.
It was registered in December 2023, before Victoria formally opposed it.
But the Norwegian Industrial Property Office ruled against her.
Senior legal adviser Tord Hestenes wrote in the judgment that while Victoria is well known in the industry, it “does not mean that her initials or the combined mark can be considered well-known for this reason alone”.
He said her evidence had limited value because her follower count did not actually show how many were in Norway.
He added that it had not been successfully proved how many Norwegians read the international magazines cited, and the sales figures provided covered the entire Nordic region — not just Norway.
Mr Hestenes ruled there was “no risk of confusion” over the brands.
He added: “Documentation in the case does not provide grounds for assuming that the opponent’s mark will be linked to the name Victoria Beckham.”
Victoria’s representatives have been approached for comment on the verdict.
Vendela’s logo on the left and Victoria’s logo on the right
The Chelsea star has officially won the rights to his nickname and trade mark celebrationCredit: Getty
7
Palmer is renowned for his iconic shivering goal celebrationCredit: Getty
It comes after Chateau Palmer, which sells bottles of wine for as much as £750, opposed his bid to flog plonk — and won their case in August.
But, on Friday, the 23-year-old won the right to brand an array of other products, including snacks, mobile phone covers, toys, Christmas crackers and even teddy bears.
This essentially means nobody can use Palmer’s “Cold” nickname for commercial use without his permission.
He has also successfully trademarked his autograph.
read more uk football news
An article in The Athletic detailed how the Intellectual Property Office approved the application made by the footballer’s private company, Palmer Management Limited.
In August, winemaker Chateau Palmer, based near Bordeaux, opposed the initial application.
It still covers a range of other alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, liqueurs and alcoholic energy drinks.
The winery was founded in 1814 when Army officer Charles Palmer bought the estate.
Royal wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd says: “At their best, the wines of Ch. Palmer are among the greatest anywhere in Bordeaux.”
Chelsea ace Cole Palmer LOSES battle against £750-a-bottle winery to trademark nickname & goal celebration
A bottle of its Cru Classé Margaux from 1970 is priced at £750.
Speaking to The Athletic, Karen Lee, an intellectual property lawyer at Edwin Coe, said: “Once you have a registered trademark in place, it is much easier to enforce your rights against third parties.
“Anyone using something that’s the same or similar can amount to an infringement. And that’s when it can lead to High Court litigation, which can be very expensive.”
Palmer has made no secret about the celebration not being his own original work.
He previously admitted how, following his time in the Manchester City academy, he was inspired to perform the celebration by then team-mate Morgan Rogers.
7
The vineyard is in France’s Margaux region
7
One bottle of the firm’s Cru Classé Margaux from 1970 was listed at £750
7
The 23-year-old has now also won the rights to brand an array of other productsCredit: Getty
Aston Villa star Rogers, was accused of copying the celebration when he scored against Chelsea in April 2024, before he clarified: “It’s the opposite, I did it first, he copied me.”
Speaking of his celebration in a previous interview with The Telegraph, Cole said: “It symbolises joy, passion and hard determination for the game, plus it’s funny as it works well with my name.
“Everyone knows it’s my celebration. Lots of people might have done it (before me), but everybody knows it is my celebration.”
However, this could mean that Chelsea has to register for a licence if the London club wants to use his nickname in promotional material.
EA, the company behind the EA Sports FC series of video games, might also have to ask permission to use his celebration in future games.
Other footballers who have trademarked their names and celebrations include David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, who trademarked his name, CR7 initials and “Siuuu” celebration.
Lionel Messi also trademarked his surname after a legal challenge from the cycling brand Massi.
Some other stars have managed to have their brand made exclusive in specific countries, including Marcus Rashford with his name in the United States, Erling Haaland with his signature and goal celebration in his native Norway.
7
The footballer has claimed that everyone knows its his celebrationCredit: Getty
7
Other players like Beckham and Ronaldo have also trademarked their namesCredit: Getty
The page may no longer exist or may have moved to another web address. Try again to locate what you want by choosing a section from the navigation menu at left, viewing our Site Map or using the search box below.
