The estate of AC/DC singer Bon Scott is now free to use his name on a possible merchandise line.
Swiss bicycle company Scott Sports had contested their right to register Bon Scott as a trademark, stating that it could potentially confuse their customers. Bon's estate, which is managed by his two brothers and a nephew, did prevail in a decision handed down last week by the U.K. Intellectual Property Office.
Scottish Legal News reported that the proposed commemorative merchandise line will include clothing, sunglasses, bags and wallets.
In his verdict, the hearing officer wrote that he's "satisfied that the marks are unlikely to be mistakenly recalled or misremembered as each other," as he doesn't think that "the average consumer would overlook the distinctive and dominant word ‘Bon’ at the beginning of the applicant’s mark."
Even though they were based in Australia, AC/DC's principle original members — Scott and guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young — were each born in Scotland.
Bon Scott passed away in 1980 at the age of 33.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]