The word "Sovereign" as a trademark

[Kman]

Probably no one else will be interested in this  but it annoys me a bit when coins that are released by random companies, not RM or at least related to the RM, are called "sovereigns"

I wondered if the RM had a trademark for it so I looked it up - here

They applied for it in 2012 in class 14 - "Gold commemorative coins" but it was opposed

"The trade mark was inherently non-distinctive, but evidence was submitted to show that, by the date of application, the mark has in fact acquired a distinctive character as a result of the use made of it."

So there we have it, we are all free to mint gold coins and call them sovereigns 

[HelpingHands]

As long as they look nothing like a real one.

[Clens92]

This feels like it will help in a pub quiz, in a few years time.  Interestingly, they've also applied for 'Guinea', but that has also yet to be granted.

[TheGoldSovereign]

Well that is just stupid, i wonder if the same applies to other countries coinage? You could literally mint "sovereigns" in 50% gold and get away with it, also using the queens portrait? 

[Clens92]

26 minutes ago, sg86 said:

Well that is just stupid, i wonder if the same applies to other countries coinage? You could literally mint "sovereigns" in 50% gold and get away with it, also using the queens portrait? 

In theory, yes.  I'm not sure that any of the disgruntled former colonies would take too kindly to Queenie's portrait smiling up at them from their 'sovs'.

It's just like any other unit of currency.  Shillings, dollars, cents, dimes, sovereigns etc.  Individual countries can do whatever they like... unless they're shackled to the EU