Ratner renames internet offer
Signet settles dispute over name
July 16 2002
Jeweller Signet has settled its trademark dispute over the use of the Ratner name.
Gerald Ratner, the former chief executive of the company, will now call his new online venture GeraldOnline.
Ratner, partnered by jewellery retailer Goldsmiths, had previously announced that the internet offer would be branded RatnerOnline.
Signet, which operates high street brands including H Samuel and Ernest Jones, bought legal proceedings against all the parties to the new venture, claiming trademark infringement. The action has been settled out of court. Under an agreement, the new venture will not use the names Ratners, Ratner, Ratners Online or ROL.
Gerald Ratner left the company ten years ago after famously referring to his products as “crap.”
GeraldOnline plans to launch before Christmas, offering watches and jewellery at substantial discounts to high street prices.
