UKIPO Refuses Dr Watson Clothing Trade Mark

A Manchester businessman’s attempt to register “Dr Watson” as a UK trade mark for leisurewear, sportswear, footwear and headgear has been rejected by the UK Intellectual Property Office following an opposition by the Conan Doyle estate. The estate relied on its earlier registered marks for “Dr Watson” and “Holmes and Watson”. The applicant argued the estate’s protection was limited to protective clothing and therefore did not conflict, but the hearing officer found the goods sufficiently similar to create a likelihood of confusion among average consumers. Registration was refused and the opponent was awarded a contribution towards its costs. The decision underscores the strength of established literary-character marks when opposing later applications in adjacent categories.

Small businesses should conduct comprehensive clearance searches across relevant classes before filing new trade mark applications.

---

**Sources**

- <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/27/watson-conan-doyle-estate-wins-battle-clothes-trademark/> - <https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-decisionmaking/t-challenge/t-challenge-decision-results/t-challenge-decision-results-gen.htm>