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An independent London-based estate agency faces a “David versus Goliath” battle with Rightmove after the property portal accused the company of trademark infringement.
Rightmove recently sent a cease and desist letter to the owner of Right Room, based in Kings Cross, claiming that the estate agency’s name and house-style logo were too similar to its own branding.
Right Room’s founder, Ehsan Ahmed, told The Standard that Rightmove is “bullying” the “small guy” by sending the letter, which he said landed “like a sledgehammer” on his desk.
In the letter, Right Room was given until 7 March to comply with Rightmove’s demands or face further action, including the commencement of court proceedings.
Ahmed told the press: “We have operated as Right Room for more than four years but had no earlier contact or warnings before this bullying and high-handed letter.
“I launched the company in 2015, but we wanted something catchy for our emerging target demographic — mainly young professionals and students.
“Four years on we have doubled in size, are showing up on Google, and have 200-plus reviews, but remain focused on London whereas Rightmove is nationwide, and they are primarily a property listings site. We are not in the same sector.
“It’s very David and Goliath, with us very much the small guy, being targeted after a little bit of success, but nothing compared to their level.”
In the letter, Rightmove argues that the use of the word ‘Right’ followed by ‘Room’ “has clear visual, aural and conceptual similarities” to ‘Rightmove’.
It states that the “use of a similar tone of teal,” combined with a house logo, replicates its own branding and, as a result, “significantly increases the risk of consumer confusion and/or association with us.”
Ahmed likened receiving the letter to feeling like “I had been hit by a bus”.
“It was extremely worrying and I felt threatened from a business perspective,” he added. “I felt as though everything I had worked for was on the line.”
Right Room, which employs 30 people, has responded to Rightmove’s initial letter with a placatory letter offering to discuss a compromise.
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