Full Breakdown
EasyGroup Loses Trademark Dispute Over "Easy" Branding
4/1/2026, 11:00:29 PM
High Court Ruling on Trademark Infringement
EasyGroup, the parent company of easyJet, faced a setback in a High Court trademark dispute against two footwear businesses, Easyfeetstore and Easyfeet Inc. Both companies, which specialize in orthopaedic and orthotic insoles, were targeted by EasyGroup for allegedly infringing on seven of its trademarks, including the well-known easyJet brand. The legal action also named Andriy Klishyn, a shareholder in Easyfeetstore and director of Easyfeet Inc.
During a two-day trial in February, EasyGroup's legal representatives argued that the use of "easy" by the footwear companies could confuse consumers and that Klishyn bore joint responsibility for the alleged infringement. However, the court ruled in favor of Easyfeetstore and Easyfeet Inc., concluding that the only similarity between the trademarks was the word "easy." Judge Richard Hacon stated that there was "no likelihood" of customer confusion and that EasyGroup had not suffered any detriment or gained an unfair advantage from the use of the term by the defendants.
Background on EasyGroup's Trademark Strategy
EasyGroup, owned by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has a portfolio of over 380 businesses and websites featuring the "easy" branding, including easyBus and easyHotel. The company has a history of engaging in trademark disputes to protect its brand identity. Judge Hacon noted that EasyGroup appears to be actively trying to prevent the use of "easy" in other businesses without its permission. This ruling follows a previous loss for EasyGroup in August 2025 against Premier Inn, which also involved the use of the phrase "rest easy."
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the judgment, an EasyGroup spokesperson expressed strong disagreement, stating, “We strongly believe that this judgment is wrong because it undermines the ability of owners of famous families of brands, such as the easy family of brands, to protect consumers from confusion.” The spokesperson emphasized that the opposing companies aim to mislead consumers into thinking they are affiliated with the official easy family of brands. EasyGroup plans to appeal the decision, asserting confidence in their ability to overturn the ruling based on past successes in similar cases.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of EasyGroup's aggressive trademark enforcement argue that such actions can stifle competition and innovation, particularly for smaller businesses that may use common terms like "easy" in their branding. The ruling in favor of Easyfeetstore and Easyfeet Inc. may signal a judicial pushback against overly broad trademark claims, emphasizing the need for a balance between brand protection and fair market practices.
What's Next
As EasyGroup prepares to appeal the High Court's decision, the outcome may have broader implications for trademark law, particularly regarding the use of common words in branding. The case highlights ongoing tensions between established brands and emerging businesses in the marketplace.
