Masthead Redesign Leaves Real Red Faced

Real magazine, published by Hubert Burda Media, has been forced to redesign its masthead following a last minute climb down in a trademark infringement clash with Hachette Filipacchi’s Red.

The title was due to face off against Red in a trial this morning, but backed down at the last moment to avoid ending the long-running legal battle in the High Court.

Real now faces a redesign of its logo, as well as Hachette’s legal costs, estimated by the Hachette to be £1 million.

Red’s complaint resulted from a change to the Real logo, which it claimed caused confusion between the magazines.

Under the terms of the agreement, Real will not be allowed to use “the distinctive cursive R familiar to all Red readers” as part of its new logo, and will also be prevented from using its design in a red box.

Julie Harris, general manager of Hachette’s women’s group, said: “After eight years of editorial innovation and investment, Red remains market leader of the 30-something sector and I am delighted that we have finally through this settlement, been able to protect our prestigious and highly regarded brand.”

Chris Hutchings of M Law, Hachette’s lawyers, added: “Passing off cases are notoriously difficult to win, primarily because of the need to show confusion. Today’s outcome means that further confusion will be prevented in the future.”

Hachette Filipacchi: www.hf-uk.co.uk Hubert Burda Media: www.hubert-burda-media.com