News & Insights

Queensland fashion label Sabo (formerly Sabo Skirt) has successfully overcome opposition to trade marking its name by fashion giant Saba with the help of intellectual property experts at law firm Macpherson Kelley.

Sabo is now free to unite its range of labels under the one name – Sabo.

Saba had opposed Sabo trade marking the name, claiming it could confuse customers about which brand was which.

Macpherson Kelley Special Counsel Mark Metzeling collated a large volume of evidence on behalf of Sabo to show that both brands were uniquely distinctive and there was little chance consumers would be confused.

“We were able to show that Sabo is an established, recognisable and trusted brand throughout Australia (and internationally) in its own right,” he said.

After receiving Sabo’s evidence and submissions, Saba withdrew its opposition to the registration of Sabo as a trade mark.

Sabo manager George Kouzoukas said being able to trade mark Sabo meant the company was now able to bring all of its sub-brands under the one name.

“What that creates is consistency across all of our products,” he said.

Sabo started as Sabo Skirt in Brisbane in 2010 and has expanded its fashion range to include sleepwear, swimwear, luxe, formal and bridesmaid and footwear.  It has an international following and its designs have been worn by stars Jennifer Lopez, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Arianna Grande and Kylie Jenner.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.