Beckham family tensions put spotlight on celebrity trademark disputes

LONDON, Jan 23 : "Brand Beckham" always comes first, Brooklyn Beckham said in an outburst against his parents David and Victoria this week that shone a spotlight on the legal protections a growing number of famous families attach to their own names.

The Instagram post by the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham not only fuelled online gossip around the world but also highlighted a more unusual aspect of celebrity trademarks.

UK filings show the names of David and Victoria's four children are registered as trademarks, with Victoria listed as owner in her capacity as a parent and guardian. Brooklyn's name was registered as a trademark in Britain in 2016, when he was 17.

Brooklyn's registration, covering beauty, cosmetics, clothing, toys and entertainment and other classes, according to the UK Intellectual Property Office, will expire in December.

WHAT IS THE TRADEMARK DISPUTE ABOUT?

In his post, Brooklyn said that ahead of his 2022 marriage to Nicola Peltz, daughter of U.S. billionaire and activist investor Nelson Peltz, his parents had pressured "me into signing away the rights to my name".

He said his family valued "public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first." 

Brooklyn has not elaborated on what he was asked to sign and his parents' representatives have not responded to requests to comment from Reuters and do not appear to have spoken on the issue.

In February that year, Authentic Brands Group entered a strategic partnership to co-own and manage David Beckham's brand. It is not clear if Brooklyn's trademark was involved.

Celebrities have long trademarked their names for spinoff products and the practice has increased with the rise of endorsements and social media to prevent others profiting