30 July 2002

Gerald Ratner in Brand Bother Again

Fallen jewellery tycoon Gerald Ratner has got into some hot water over his planned use of the Ratner name for his new online jewellery venture.

Ratner had originally planned to trade under the name Ratners-online, a decision which sparked some cynicism within the industry but which Ratner defended by stating that, despite his famous gaffe a decade ago, it is still the most recognisable jewellery brand in the UK.

But alas, the Ratners brand is trademarked to the Signet group and Gerald ratner has had to change his plans.

He will now trade under the brand GeraldOnline and the appropriate domains were hurriedly registered recently.