15 July 2023 , 20:29
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Warring Wag Rebekah Vardy is going into battle again – and this time it’s over the Wagatha Christie trademark.
Rebekah, wife of Leicester City striker Jamie, owns the commercial rights to the name and could therefore use it to market a range of products.
But the Wagatha trademark has rubbed posh linen firm Christy up the wrong way and they have accused Rebekah of imitating their 170-year-old brand. Bosses at the upmarket retailer have lodged a complaint with the Intellectual Property Office, claiming the brands are too alike.
The row is now in the hands of trademark lawyers – and that could see mum-of-five Rebekah, 41, at the centre of yet another High Court clash.
Posh linen firm Christy is far from happyA source said of a possible tug-of-war: “The last thing Becky needs is to be put through the wringer again.”
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The Wagatha Christie phrase was coined when Rebekah and fellow soccer Wag Coleen Rooney fell out over social media posts.
Coleen, 37 – wife of football star Wayne – had turned detective, Agatha Christie style, and identified Rebekah’s Instagram account for leaking stories about her to the press.
Rebekah denied she was to blame for the posts and a libel trial followed. A judge ruled in Coleen’s favour and ordered Rebekah to pick up her former pal’s £1.5million legal bill. A wrangle over the size of the costs is still going on.
The phrase was coined after Coleen Rooney turned detective (Getty Images)Rebekah, meanwhile, successfully trademarked the Wagatha Christie phrase in April through a pal’s firm – London Entertainment Inc Ltd.
It means anyone wishing to use it commercially must get her permission – and pay her if she allows it. The trademark covers everything from broadcasting and clothing to cosmetics, sunglasses, fashion jewellery, alcoholic cocktails – and linen.
A source said at the time: “This trademark is Becky’s two fingers to Coleen and all the misery associated with Wagatha Christie. Becky is shrewd and knew people would try to cash in on the phrase.”
Christy, the world’s oldest towel brand, is a huge hit with British buyers. Its range includes a £32 Renaissance bath towel made with Egyptian cotton. A spokesperson for Rebekah declined to comment. Christy was approached for comment.