Entain Targets UK Unlicensed Gambling via Trademark Reforms
Entain urges the UKIPO to tighten gambling trademark rules to prevent unlicensed operators from gaining legitimacy.Summary
Entain, a London-listed gambling operator, has formally requested stricter oversight from the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to prevent unlicensed companies from obtaining trademarks. The company argues that the current system allows illegal operators to gain "commercial legitimacy" through registration, despite operating without a valid Gambling Commission licence. Entain has submitted a list of unlicensed operators holding UK trademarks and proposed requiring proof of a valid licence before granting registration. While UKIPO's General Counsel Adam Williams rejected the idea of prior regulatory approval, stating that trademark law focuses on the mark's intrinsic properties, Entain continues to advocate for reform. The company is also expanding its efforts by lobbying sports authorities to ensure clubs work exclusively with licensed operators.
(Source：World Casino News)