And TV show set to be renamed in trademark dispute

The Glee TV show may have to change its name following the successful legal challenge from the comedy club chain of the same name.

Judge Roger Wyand ruled in favour of the clubs back February, and now he has said that the network must rename Glee for British viewers.

However, programme-makers Fox say they plan to appeal, and the judge agreed that any name change can await the result of that hearing.

Judge Wyand also said it would be hard to assess the amount of money which would ultimately be awarded for the trademark infringement, but he said Fox should make an interim payment of £100,000 to Comic Enterprises, the company which owns the Glee Club chain.

In his original decision, the judge Wyand said the comedy club trademark was 'suffering detriment' and there was a 'likelihood of confusion'.

Fox argued that a name change would be costly, disproportionate and and complex, but the judge said such an order was not unfair because the series was such a 'blockbuster', so the cost would not be prohibitive for such a valuable show.

And he said Fox could tell viewers that the retitled programme had previously been called Glee.

The final series of the show, whatever it will be called, is due to air in the UK next year.

Published: 20 Jul 2014