Branson loses legal battle over 'virgin' trademark

British industrialist Sir Richard Branson has lost the sole use of the word 'virgin' in branding, after a court ruling on July 27.

The court ruled in favour of South African company Bodtrade, which was granted a trademark to use the phrase: "You can't be a virgin all your life, it's time", reports the Sun.

This is the first time that a business other than Branson's Virgin Enterprises has won a trademark including the word, apart from olive oil makers.

Virgin argued customers expect any new uses of the word to originate from it alone, but the Intellectual Property Office in London ruled there would be no confusion.
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Virgin Enterprises must pay 1,500 pounds to Bodtrade's legal costs.