‘Nuckin Futs’ gets green light

A SNACK called ‘Nuckin Futs’ has got the green light to be sold in Australia after regulators accepted the profanity it parodies was part of everyday speech.

The Trade Marks Examiner initially ruled the name was inappropriate and rejected a trademark application. But lawyers for the unnamed company that wants to market the product argued the swear-word it parodies was a normal part of Australian speech and could not be deemed offensive under trademark rules.

“We submit that whilst there may be a mere sentimental objection or mere distaste to Nuckin Futs, this is not a sufficient ground for rejection of the trademark, particularly since a substantial number of people would not find the words shocking,” a legal submission said.

Almost a year after the application was rejected, the examiner agreed to accept the trademark on condition the product is not marketed to children.

Lawyers for the company said the snack would only by sold in pubs, nightclubs and entertainment venues.