Puffa hits Charlton Athletic FC with writ over trademark breach

Puffa, the equestrian clothing company most famous for its green quilted jackets, has served a writ against Charlton Athletic Football Company, accusing it of breach of trademark.

According to solicitors acting for Puffa, Charlton offered merchandise, including a “puffa” jacket, for sale on its Website.

Puffa has held a trademark on its name since 1983, but the word “puffa” is commonly used to describe “Michelin-man”-type black padded jackets.

Victor Rosenberg, Puffa managing director, says: “It’s like calling your upright vacuum cleaner a Hoover, especially when it’s an Electrolux.”

The injunction is to restrain Charlton from using the marks or name “Puffa” in any way on its goods or merchandise, or attempting to pass off its goods as being associated with Puffa.

Puffa, which sells its range of clothes through House of Fraser and Fenwicks, is a well-known brand in the equestrian world, where it sponsors the dressage rankings.

The company is launching its own Website in the next four to five weeks, which will advise customers of its stockists and product range.

Nobody from Charlton was willing to comment on the court case.