Enterprise wins trade mark dispute against Europcar

Vehicle rental giant, Enterprise Holdings, has won a trade mark infringement and passing off claim against its competitor Europcar, over Enterprise’s “e” trade mark and Europcar’s “e” logo. Mr Justice Arnold recognised that Enterprise’s “e” has “an enhanced distinctive character”, and he noted a survey commissioned by Enterprise in which significant numbers of the public associated the “e” with Enterprise. Simon Chapman, partner at Lewis Silkin LLP, who acted for Enterprise, says the decision ensured “clear blue water” between his client and its competitors.