Brand Relations wins trademark row with drinks firm London Cocktail Club

However, after the partners parted ways, Howell discovered his former partner had dissolved the company they had created together after spotting it on Companies House.

After buying the name back from the Treasury, Howell found LCC had registered its trademark in the three categories his brand and trademark was also in, which gave LCC the option to sell pre-mixed drinks under its name.

This meant London Cocktail, the trademark Howell had originally created, would not be able to trade in the same categories under its company name.

After a six-month legal battle, LCC has agreed to give up the three trademark categories and will now not trade ready-to-drink cocktails or accessories under the LCC name.

Addressing the agreement, Howell said: "It's very satisfying when the little guy wins but I have always believed that this brand will become one of the biggest ready-to-drink cocktail brands in the world.

"It's an iconic brand, known and recognised across the globe and I am delighted to have it back."

Sarah Willingham former Dragon's Den judge and chief executive Nightcap, which acquired LCC in 2020, said: "I am absolutely delighted at the outcome, it was a win-win situation for all parties involved. And these are always my favourite solutions. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours."

Trademark categories group products and services that are deemed to be within similar areas of trade. Registering a trademark under a specific class prevents someone from registering the same or similar trademark within the same class. This stops someone who is selling the same products or services having the same or similar trademark as another brand.

Image: Cocktail Club in London's Old Street