Dave could be forced to change its name

British thematic broadcaster Dave could be forced to change its name after losing a trademark battle.

The channel, which is owned by BBC Worldwide and Virgin Media’s joint venture UKTV, saw the European Union’s Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market rule in favour of brand consultancy Dave, which is owned by agency Engine Group after the two companies fought to register the name as a European trademark.

Dan Bobby, chief executive of consultancy Dave, said: “We are very happy; it’s vindicated a lot of our hard work over the past few years to protect our brand. We’re now looking closely at our options in terms of enforcing the decision under UK trademark law. As a specialist brand consultancy, we understand the important nature of trademarks and we will protect our own brand as vigorously as we would protect our clients.”