Independent UK salon NKD has edged closer to a victory as cosmetics giant L’Oréal scales back its trademark challenge.
Just ahead of the hearing, which takes place today (November 5), L’Oréal reduced the scope of its objections to NKD owner Rebecca Dowdeswell's trademark application for NKD.
The dispute began in September 2022, when Dowdeswell applied to renew her NKD trademark after the original registration, granted in 2009, had lapsed. Dowdeswell has said the renewal was missed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
L’Oréal opposed the application, citing potential confusion with its Urban Decay Naked range. The objection initially covered a wide range of beauty services and products, prompting a legal challenge that has been progressing through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Dowdeswell, who runs NKD salon in Leicester, said the dispute had placed significant financial and operational pressure on her business.
"I’ve faced huge cash challenges since this began which has been very hard; more than £30,000 in direct legal fees," Dowdeswell told us earleir this year. "As a result, I had to take the extremely difficult and painful decision to close my original and flagship Nottingham waxing and beauty salon."
In the latest development, L’Oréal has narrowed the scope of its objection, allowing Dowdeswell to continue using the nkd name for a number of services and products at her remaining salon in Leicester. While the IPO proceedings are ongoing, this adjustment represents a meaningful step toward securing her brand.
