NIPC Law

I was on my way to a conference when I heard of Sir Hugh's death and could manage only a short announcement. But, I had to say more because I was really sorry to learn of his death. I can't say I knew him at all well but I did see enough of him to like and respect him. Here's why. VISA Trade Mark Application I first met Hugh Laddie in 1983 when I was legal advisor to VISA International  for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  My employer had instructed Lloyd Wise (now part of Marks & Clerk) to apply to register VISA as a trade mark for travellers cheques and payment cards. In those days, trade marks could be registered in the UK for goods but not services (see Aristoc v Rysta [1945]   RPC   65). In the USA it was possible to register "service marks" for services but service marks were unknown here. The examiner smelt a rat and refused the application on the grounds that our application was tantamount to an application to register a trade mark for a service. ...

I, together with the rest of the Patent Bar, have just learned from Richard Miller QC that Sir Hugh Laddie died on Saturday and was buried yesterday.    I feel this personally because it was he who first steered me towards the IP Bar 26 years ago. He was always very fair to me both at the Bar and the High Court bench.  I shall be adding my own tribute later but in the meantime I should like to refer readers to Jeremy Phillips's post on IPKat.    I send my sincere sympathy to his family, friends and connections.