Wacky Woollies firm sues Woolie Wellies producer

A legal dispute has erupted about cartoon sheep. In the commercial court yesterday a company that sells products using images of cartoon sheep under the ‘Wacky Woollies’ trademark has sued another over its products sold under the name ‘Woolie Wellies’.

The Shamrock Gift Company [Trading House], with registered offices at Fonthill Industrial Park, Dublin, has sued Allied Imports Ltd, based at Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin, on grounds including alleged breach of its community trademark and passing off.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern granted an application by Shamrock to fast-track the action in the court.

Jonathan Newman, counsel for the defendant, consented to the matter being fast-tracked and said his client will file a full defence.

In its action, Shamrock says it has been in business since 1998 and markets merchandise including souvenir, gift and novelty items. Since 2007, it has promoted, marketed, and sold various products under the name and trademark Wacky Woollies. Images of cartoon sheep characters on those products made them eye-catching to purchasers, it said.

Shamrock claims the defendant has put on the market products under the sign Woolie Wellies which, it is alleged, is confusingly similar to Wacky Woollies whose products include magnets, a rugby ball, and a mug.