Miss World wins judicial battle against Teen pageant

Miss World Limited, the owner of a number of trade mark registrations for the mark MISS WORLD, has just won a judicial battle against a Teen pageant based in the USA. Among Miss World’s registrations is a United States trade mark  for MISS WORLD (no. 877221), which was first registered on 5 April 1968. Therefore, there could never be a “Miss Teen World”, if not organized by the Miss World Organization.

Miss World Limited has extensively used and developed its brand over the past 60 years, which has become a famous and well-respected trademark. Over the years, many new pageants and so-called organizations have tried to take advantage of it (just like it happens with Miss Universe as well), so Miss World Limited has always strongly protected its brand and defended its long-standing exclusive rights to the MISS WORLD name and trade mark.

After a two year Federal Court lawsuit and trial in the United States, Miss World won it and the pageant formerly known as “Miss Teen World” produced by Gaspar Cruz has no right to use such name any longer.

The Court found in favor of the Miss World organisation on all its claims of federal trade mark infringement, dilution and unfair competition. Crucially, United States District Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore also found that as a result of Miss World’s continuous usage and promotion, “the MISS WORLD mark has become well-known and famous in the United States and internationally”.

The Court also went on to find that Mr Cruz’s use of the word “world” as part of his competitions as a trade marked name or as a title for his pageant winners caused actual confusion amongst the public and led to actual contempt of the Court’s earlier injunction.

The United States litigation highlighted Mr Cruz’s unauthorised international licensing of “Miss Teen World” where third parties are using the “Miss Teen World” name to run branded competitions in their own countries. The Court order enjoined Mr Cruz and all those acting in concert with or behalf of him from a number of activities including  using the “Miss Teen World” name or any name which is similar to the MISS WORLD mark or likely to dilute its distinctive quality.

Miss World Limited takes the protection of its intellectual property and famous brand very seriously and will take any required action against an infringer of its MISS WORLD mark.

Such judicial decision should set an example and stop others from stealing intellectual property from Miss Universe, Miss World, or any other pageant.(Global Beauties)