A CLOTHING company has voiced its “frustration” after it had to stop using ‘Snowdonia’ on its products due to a trademark infringement – while being unable to protect the Welsh name.

Eryri Clothing, formerly Snowdonia Eco Friendly Clothing, had launched a range of products using the English term for the mountain range when it received a cease and desist letter from Manchester firm JD Williams.

The business had been contacted by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to inform it of concerns that JD Williams's property rights had been breached over its 'Snowdonia' brand name.

It is understood that JD Williams's trademark application was accepted by the European IPO in 2013, which has since been adopted by the UK Government IPO after separating from the European Union last year.

Eryri Clothing said it faced the risk of legal action from the Manchester firm and “accepted defeat”, making the decision to close down and relaunch under its new Welsh name.

It has since applied to the IPO to trademark its new brand, which it said has been rejected on the basis that it is a “geographical area”.

IPO guidance states that "the name of a place which is usually thought to indicate the geographical area in which particular goods or services are offered" can be considered "not distinctive" enough to warrant a trademark.

Eryri Clothing said: “If Snowdonia can be trademarked by an English company, then why is a small Welsh business being treated differently for trying to protect the Welsh name?”

The company, which produces “environmentally conscious” clothing, said it does “not believe” the rejection of its application was the “correct” decision, “especially for the people of Wales”.

Eryri Clothing said it has contacted the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Welsh Government for advice to appeal the IPO decision.

Depending on the reason for the rejection of a trademark application, applicants have two months to respond. Options include an extension of time to respond to objections and to request of a hearing.

The IPO said it is not able to comment on trademark applications that are currently active.

JD Williams was approached for comment.