Attractions giant Merlin Entertainments has instructed lawyers to prevent the use of the name ‘Eye’ for a planned giant wheel in Calcutta.
UK-based Merlin argues that it owns and has invested millions in the ‘Eye’ observation attraction brand, and says it will “jealously defend” it from unauthorised use.
Glenn Earlam, managing director of Merlin’s Midway Operating Group – which includes attractions like the EDF Energy London Eye, the Blackpool Tower Eye and the planned Orlando Eye – said:
“We value our brands and are very clear on this. We will not tolerate any behaviour which undermines them or potentially brings them into disrepute. We will therefore take immediate and very strong action if we ever see this happen – with no exceptions.”
He added: “The ‘Eye’ is exclusively Merlin’s brand globally. It is an iconic name in which we have invested, and continue to invest significantly.
“Like all our global brands it also represents Merlin’s expertise and competence; and most importantly it denotes a quality attraction which visitors should and can expect to find.
“We therefore will not allow it, or any of our other brands, to be used generically for commercial or promotional advantage to describe attractions over which we have no control.
“Unauthorised use of any of our brands potentially damages both their reputation and that of Merlin as a whole, and we will always take whatever steps are required to stop such use.
“In the case of the Calcutta wheel, while in principle we wish the project every success, we trust the promoters will respect our rights and cease any unauthorised use of our ‘Eye’ brand.”