UK detective agency hits back at Intel 'passing off' claims

A small UK private detective agency has hit back against chip giant Intel after receiving a request to change its name.

Yorkshire-based 7intel is thought to be one of two dozen or so British businesses whose name features 'intel' and - echoing legal action revealed by silicon.com in 2000 - the California company believes it has a case against the outfit for 'passing off'.

However, 7intel has accused Intel of "a thinly veiled attempt to bully them into handing over their legally owned collateral, websites and trademarks".

A press release issued by 7intel, entitled 'Oops they did it again', says Intel lawyers Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White "has written threatening to sue a number of the 26 UK businesses whose title contains the word Intel, completely irrespective of these organisations [sic] actual area of operation/trade".

7intel is run by Gary Stapleton. He contacted Intel's UK lawyers after thinking there had been a mistake, given his firm's area of operation.

"On behalf of Intel, who do not hold any private investigators licence in their home state (California), Mr Nicholas Bolter at Howrey assured Gary both verbally and in writing that Intel intended to prosecute for 'passing off'," the release continued.

The statement goes on to accuse Intel of getting "poor legal advice" and calls the company's ethical trading policies "bizarre".

Intel did not respond directly to the allegations from Stapleton and 7intel. However, the company issued silicon.com with a statement saying: "The Intel brand is one of the most valued brands in the world. Over the years we have invested billions of dollars to create that value. Like any other asset we have an obligation to our shareholders to protect that asset.

"Unlike other intellectual property, trademark law requires a company like Intel to take proactive steps to protect its trademark or run the risk of losing rights in the trademark."

While it is thought there have been other small companies who are taking on Intel in its latest round of legal action, Stapleton goes on to say there are likely those who won't be able to put up a fight, "terrified at the prospect of huge legal bills".

As such he is setting up a website and service dedicated to such causes at www.piedpiper.me.uk.

The Intel statement ended: "Intel generally tries to work with companies and individuals to amicably resolve trademark disputes."