On Saturday 6th May 2023, the Commonwealth celebrated the coronation of King Charles III, who succeeds his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

During the 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, approximately 800 Royal Warrant of Appointment’s were granted to businesses that supplied goods and services of exceptional quality to the Royal Household.

The Royal Warrant is a document that appoints a company or individual in a trading capacity to the Royal Household and entitles the holder to use the Royal Coat of Arms in connection with their business, giving their product or business elevated prestige and honour.

The warrant is usually granted for a period of five years and can be renewed, however, since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, hundreds of goods and services will lose their right to use the Royal Coat of Arms and must now prove the royal family use of their products or services before they can be renewed. Each holder of the Royal Warrant may continue to use the trade mark for up to two years after the Grantor’s death, until a review has taken place. The range of companies being awarded the Royal Warrant is quite wide from the classic Burberry coats to Heinz beans and even brooms (A Nash Besom Brooms) and biofuels (Green Fuels).

It could mean that brands strongly associated with the late Queen, are no longer able to use the trade mark. It will be interesting to see which brands and services retain the coat of arms long term. However some already awarded by King Charles III will be kept.

The King of Intellectual Property?

Whilst holding the title of the Prince of Wales, King Charles III, has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes and sustainability, and has supported several intellectual property initiatives related to these areas.

His Royal Highness supported the creation of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to promote sustainable practices in the private sector through collaboration and innovation. The initiative has launched several projects related to intellectual property, including a Sustainable Markets Intellectual Property Index that aims to measure and incentivise innovation in sustainable technologies.

Additionally, he has been involved in the creation and promotion of several sustainable products, such as the Duchy Originals line of organic food products, which holds various trade marks and design rights.

Interesting fact:

Upper crust: The British Royal Family passed the first legalised trade mark back in 1266, when under the reign of King Henry III, parliament passed the Bakers Making law, which required every baker in England to put a unique mark on the bread they produced. It’s certainly something to think about the next time you eat your coronation chicken sandwich, although you won’t spot any marks on your crusts.