Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 06 MAY 2004

Meta tags, Banner Adverts and Trade Mark Use

Pinsent Masons
Explore more from Pinsent Masons

On 3rd March 2004, the Court of Appeal considered the question of whether the use of trade marks in meta tags and banner advertisements on websites constitutes trade mark infringement, as part of an appeal from a High Court decision of Mr Justice Pumfrey.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Lindsey Wrenn
Lindsey Wrenn
Lee Curtis
Lee Curtis
Originally published April 2004

On 3rd March 2004, the Court of Appeal considered the question of whether the use of trade marks in meta tags and banner advertisements on websites constitutes trade mark infringement, as part of an appeal from a High Court decision of Mr Justice Pumfrey.

The appellants were Reed Business Information Limited, Reed Elsevier (UK) Limited and totaljobs.com Limited (RBI). RBI is a leading publisher and in 1999 developed the totaljobs.com website to exploit the job advertisement market.

Until June 2000, two logos appeared on totaljobs.com incorporating the words Reed Elsevier and Reed Business Information. However, after June 2000, the only visible reference to either Reed Elsevier or Reed Information on the site was the use of a copyright notice ‘© [year] Reed Business Information Ltd’ at the bottom of web pages on the site.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Evolution Delivered: What Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 Means For EU261 Reform

The European Union has enacted its most comprehensive overhaul of passenger rights legislation in over twenty years, introducing significant operational changes for airlines while maintaining the core architecture of the existing compensation framework. With implementation required by October 2027, carriers face expanded obligations around automatic reimbursements, rerouting rights, and assistance provisions, alongside new clarity on extraordinary circumstances and claims procedures.
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

The EU Kids Act: Not Just A Social Media Ban, And Not Just An EU Problem

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, a comprehensive regulation that extends far beyond a simple social media ban for under-13s. This ambitious framework introduces tiered age-based restrictions, safety-by-design obligations across digital services including AI chatbots and online games, and mandatory certified age-verification systems. With potential fines reaching 6% of global turnover and enforcement mechanisms piggybacking on existing DSA machinery, organisations offering digital servic
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Article

EU Kids Act: What Do The Planned Age Restrictions And Safety Requirements For Minors Online Mean For Providers?

The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing comprehensive restrictions on minors' access to social media and video-sharing platforms while imposing extensive online safety requirements across digital services. This landmark legislation will require businesses to implement safety-by-design frameworks, age verification systems, and guardian controls, with particularly stringent compliance obligations for Very Large Online Platforms that must prove their services are safe through independ
European UnionMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Winston Taylor
Winston Taylor
Article

HFSS: ASA Rulings Provide Clarity On Where “brand Advertising” Ends And Product Advertising Begins

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has issued new guidance on how it will enforce restrictions on advertising less healthy food and drink products online and on television. Through several July 2026 rulings involving major brands like M&M's, Domino's, and KFC, the ASA clarified when the 'brand advertising exemption' applies and when product imagery crosses the line into depicting specific restricted products.
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
RPC
RPC
Article

Manchester City Decision: A Landmark Moment For Sports Regulation

The independent Commission's findings against Manchester City FC for serious breaches of Premier League financial rules have sparked crucial debates about transparency, disciplinary processes, and the future of sports regulation. This landmark decision raises fundamental questions about how sporting bodies balance fairness, consistency, and regulatory discretion when enforcing financial compliance rules. The case's implications extend far beyond football, offering insights into regulatory frameworks, sancti
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Olliers Solicitors
Olliers Solicitors
Article

Advertising In ChatGPT: What Retailers Need To Know

OpenAI's integration of advertisements into ChatGPT marks a significant shift in how retailers can reach consumers through conversational AI. As this emerging channel offers contextual relevance at moments of genuine purchasing intent, retailers must navigate complex advertising regulations, data protection requirements, and sector-specific rules to ensure compliance while capitalizing on this novel marketing opportunity.
United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP