Paper claims it is ‘entitled’ to use words ‘Irish Edition’

The London Times has alleged before the Commercial Court it is legally entitled to use the words “Times” and “Irish Edition” in promoting a new digital Irish edition of the UK newspaper.

Times Newspaper Ltd (TNL), publisher of The Times, denies that the use of the words “The Times Irish Edition” runs the risk of creating confusion with The Irish Times. The UK publisher also argues the Irish newspaper has no arguable case for infringement of its trademarks.

The reason The Times wants to use the words “Irish edition” is because it wants to tell potential customers what its product is, said Brian Murray, counsel for TNL. It is necessary for consumers to understand this is a newspaper dedicated towards the Irish market and focused on Irish news, he added.