Jenny Coleman
BBC News, Liverpool
BBC
A Merseyside online pet shop has found itself in the sights of a major international fashion retailer over a word in its name.
Ben McDonald, from Bootle in Merseyside, set up Boss Pets in February, but this month received a letter from Hugo Boss demanding he stop using the word, which is widely used in the area to suggest something is great.
Mr McDonald said his "whole world collapsed" after being told he faced the potential legal battle over concerns people might think the companies were linked.
A spokeswoman for Hugo Boss said: "We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used."
She added that "nevertheless, it's our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed".
"When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks.
"As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO."
She said the firm "only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides".
Mr McDonald's own lawyers have argued that the firm was operating in an entirely different sector, using a commonly used term, and that there was no likelihood of confusion.
Mr McDonald, who described himself as "just a lad from Bootle", said he had been given 10 days to take down his website or face legal action.
He said he had spent "every spare penny" on his new website for his pet-related products.
His lawyer Francis McEntegart said Mr McDonald did not have a case to answer and was accusing the clothes retailer of bullying his client.
"My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, it's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in anyway."
