Boy George, star of the famous 1980s English band Culture Club, has been in the news this week due to the potential loss of exclusive trade mark rights to his name, following the band’s reported £12 million debt.

The trade marks in question are ‘BOY GEORGE’, owned by Cometmarket Limited, of which Boy George is a director, and ‘CULTURE CLUB UK’, owned by CC Trademark Limited, where all band members serve as directors. Both trade marks were registered in 2014 and were due for renewal on 12 December 2024. However, they have yet to be renewed. A six-month grace period allows renewal until 12 June 2025, even if ownership changes in the meantime.

The band is at the centre of a legal battle that could lead to its sale to a company aiming to profit from its extensive catalogue of famous tracks. Mispocha Touring, the company previously managing the band’s earnings, collapsed in 2023.

Often, a business’s value comes not from physical assets like office buildings but from intangible assets such as its brand. A strong trade mark portfolio can be among a business’s most valuable assets, often exceeding the value of all tangible assets combined. Trade marks are not just legal protections—they are commercial assets that can be sold, licensed, or used as security for loans. In this case, Boy George and Culture Club leveraged their trade marks to secure loans.

Because the trade marks were used as loan security, failing to meet repayment terms could allow the lender to claim ownership of the trade marks. This would grant exclusive rights over the brand, potentially enabling a third party to profit from merchandising, licensing, and other commercial opportunities linked to the iconic names.

The potential loss of Boy George and Culture Club’s trade mark rights underscores the critical importance of trade mark renewal and strategic management. Trade marks are not just a legal safeguard—they are key business assets. Failing to renew or properly manage them can lead to serious financial and commercial consequences, including the loss of exclusive rights to a well-established brand.

This case serves as a valuable reminder that businesses and individuals must proactively monitor trade mark renewals and protect their intellectual property to maintain control over their brand’s legacy and commercial value.

At Berry Smith, we provide expert guidance on trade marks, ensuring your business maintains essential legal protection over its brand. We assist with UK trade mark applications and work closely with our EU partners to meet clients’ European trade mark requirements.

Read more out the services we provide here.

If you have any queries or need assistance with trade marks, please contact us at commercial@berrysmith.com or on 029 2034 5511.