News and Press
TLT secures compensation for London Dungeon in copying claim

TLT has successfully acted for Merlin Entertainments Group, the world's second largest entertainment group, to protect the business and intellectual property rights of its London Dungeon attraction.

Merlin Entertainments Group, which owns and operates 58 leisure attractions in 13 countries including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, and the London Eye, brought action against the London Bridge Experience visitor attraction for unlawful business practices, breach of intellectual property rights and intimidation by the company and its staff.

TLT's Intellectual Property and Commercial Dispute Resolution teams secured a significant compensation payment for its client in an out of court settlement. TLT also secured legally binding undertakings that the other attraction will not seek to prevent or obstruct visitors from joining the London Dungeon queue; will not use intimidating or threatening behaviour towards the public or the London Dungeon staff; and will not make false or misleading representations about the London Dungeon.

Glenn Earlam, Managing Director of Merlin Entertainments’ Midway Attractions, which includes the London Dungeon says, “This is a signal victory for Merlin in protecting the London Dungeon brand."

Chris Owen, head of TLT's Commercial Dispute Resolution team added, "We are pleased to have secured a result for Merlin which includes financial compensation and, more importantly, restrictions on the London Bridge Experience's activities which will protect the business of the London Dungeon and its brand".

TLT has a strong focus on the leisure sector and a dedicated team with specialist knowledge and understanding of the Leisure industry, including experts in licensing, property acquisitions and disposals, property litigation, corporate, commercial, regulatory and employment. The team acts for pub companies, brewers, attractions, restaurants, bars & nightclubs and numerous other operators within the sector.  Other leisure sector clients include Punch and Fitness First.

Merlin Entertainments is a $3 billion turnover group largely owned by Blackstone, one of the world's largest private equity groups. Its brands include Legoland, Sealife Centres, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and others.