Amanda and David Robinson, owners of the 'magic mushroom cabin' in Northamptonshire, are taking Britvic to court for using their image without permission in a J2O competition. The couple claims copyright infringement and seeks damages, arguing that the brand misalignment would have warranted a high licensing fee.

The $6,552 Mistake

Britvic's alleged 'flagrant' infringement of the Robinsons' copyright has led to a damages claim of £6,552. The company used an image of the cabin taken by Ms Robinson in 2017 to promote the competition,without crediting the owners. The image was used on the J2O website, Amazon store, and in online and in-store advertising.

The Robinsons' barrister, John-Paul Tettmar-Saleh , argued that Britvic 'calculated that it would profit from the infringement' and did so for around 90 days after receiving and acknowledging a complaint from the couple.

An Echo of Intellectual Property Issues

The case highlights intellectual property issues in marketing campaigns involving distinctive properties. The Robinsons' unique cabin is a prime example of a property that would require a high licensing fee due to its brand misalignment with a large corporate multi-national manufacturer of sugary drinks like Britvic.

The couple's claim is not just about the damages, but also about setting a precedent for intellectual property rights in marketing campaigns. The case will be closely watched by businesses and individuals who value their intellectual property.

Who is the Unnamed Buyer?

The case also raises questions about the identity of the unnamed buyer who purchased the £1 ,500 voucher to book a 'unique summer hangout' plus £500 spending money. was it a Britvic employee or a customer who was unaware of the copyright infringement?

The Robinsons' claim is a reminder that intellectual property rights are not just about the financial value of a property,but also about the reputation and brand alignment of a business.

A Familiar Pattern from the 2019 Crash

The case is reminiscent of the 2019 crash of the cryptocurrency market, where investors lost millions due to a lack of regulation and intellectual property protection. The Robinsons' case highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in preventing similar crashes in the marketing and advertising industries.

The case will be closely watched by businesses and individulas who value their intellectual property rights. the outcome will set a precedent for intellectual property rights in marketing campaigns and will have far-reaching consequences for businesses and individuals who value their intellectual property.