RINGO SUES INDONESIAN FIRM OVER "RINGGO STAR" BRAND

Ringo Starr was not amused when he learned that Indonesian company Asia Global Media - a Jakarta based information technology and services firm - registered a brand name at the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) that is very similar to his own name. Richard Starkey, known professionally as Ringo Starr, filed a lawsuit at the Commercial Court in Central Jakarta in February 2016 over the use of the 'Ringgo Star' brand that was registered by Asia Global Media.

Lawyer Nadia Am Badar, Director at Indonesia-based law firm Am Badar & Partners, was appointed by the management of Ringo Starr to represent his side in the court case and to demand the revocation of the 'Ringgo Star' trademark. Nadia Am Badar informed that Indonesian firm Asia Global Media has registered a total of five brands or trademarks at Indonesia's Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP).

However, the 'Ringgo Star' brand is unacceptable according to Nadia Am Badar because it resembles the name of former Beatles member Ringo Starr too closely. The name of English musician Ringo Starr (born in 1940) is known across the globe and has an international reputation and legendary status, particularly in the music business. Meanwhile, the 'Ringgo Star' brand owned by Asia Global Media is used for media and music-related (electric) equipment. This means that it is difficult for consumers to separate Ringo Star from the 'Ringgo Star' brand name.

The professional name of former Beatle Ringo Starr is also a brand name, registered in various countries including the UK, USA, Australia, China, and Japan. Musician Ringo Starr became a legend in the music business being drummer in the pop band The Beatles (1960-1970), the most famous band ever.

The fifth court hearing is scheduled for 25 May 2016 in Jakarta. Indonesian company Asia Global Media or its representatives were absent in the in the preceding hearings. According to the latest reports, Indonesia's Directorate General of Intellectual Property now also becomes a defendant.