Learning the ABC's

Fashion retailer Yves Saint Laurent (New York) is opposing a plan by Marks and Spencer (London) to register the initials MSL as a trademark — Yves Saint Laurent feels that the initials are too close to its own YSL logo. Marks and Spencer originally used the initials for two boutiques in Paris which closed last year; the company says it wants to register the trademark, but has no plans to use it.

The case has been referred to the Register of Community Trademarks, which oversees trademarks throughout the European Union. A decision is expected by early 2003. “We are not in the business of confusing customers,” said a spokesperson for Marks and Spencer. “We were told there were already a number of retailers who had the SL in their name.”