Freesat, a UK-based digital satellite television service provider without monthly subscription filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) on allegations that the e-commerce giant violated its “FreeTime” trademark.
Freesat registered FreeTime as trademark in 2011
FreeTime is a registered trademark of Freesat. The British digital satellite television service provider said FreeTime is a significant part of its business, and it registered the trademarks ‘Free Time’ and ‘FreeTime’ in June 2011. Freesat also registered the images <free time> as a logo in October that year.
After registering the FreeTime trademark, Freesat launched the service as a hybrid satellite and broadband platform with the logo <free time> in September 2012. Freesat is a joint venture between BBC and ITV plc (LON:ITV).
At the time of the launching, the British digital satellite television service provider specifically announced that FreeTime is a branded service.
Commenting on the lawsuit, Freesat said, “Freetime is an award-winning internet-connected television service that is an increasingly important part of Freesat’s business.” The company declined to comment further citing the reason that it is a legal matter.
The company added that it filed legal claims against the European subsidiaries of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) including Amazon EU SARL, Amazon Media EU SARL and amazon.co.uk Ltd for allegedly infringing its rights for FreeTime, which is a registered trademark of Freesat in the United Kingdom.
Freesat filed its case against Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) at the Hight Court in London. The British digital satellite service provider argued that it spent £5.6 million, and claimed that the e-commerce giant is “exploiting for free” its significant investment for FreeTime. Freesat is seeking compensation for “loss and damages.”
Amazon.com offers Kindle FreeTime Unlimited
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is offering Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, and an all-in-one subscription consist of all types of contents for kids and parents including books, educational apps, games, movies and TV shows. The service also offers hand-picked titles for kid ages three to eight years old to provide peace of mind for parents knowing that their children are enjoying and exploring appropriate contents.
Kindle FreeTime Unlimited was introduced by Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) in the United States in September 2012. The e-commerce giant filed a European trademark for ‘KINDLE FREETIME” in October 2012.
Amazon.com KINDLE FREETIME trademark in 2013
The European Trademark Office approved the trademark application of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) for ‘KINDLE FREETIME” in May 2013. The trademark covers rights for audio-visual reception apparatus, audio and video transmission and reception, tablet devices, and audio and video services. The same rights were given to Freesat for its ‘FreeTime’ and <free time> trademarks.
via: Recombu
