Scottish finance expert and business mentor Craig Alexander Rattray is calling for stronger government support for SMEs fighting legal disputes with larger companies.
Rattray is locked in a dispute with billion-dollar accounting software firm Xero he says is using a name similar to his own trademarked programme, Know Your Numbers.
But the cost of pursuing a case – quoted at up to £750,000 – is beyond the means of most small businesses.
“What’s the point in a trademark if it costs so much to defend it?” said the Glasgow businessman.
Xero launched its Know Your Numbers initiative in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. However, it’s the recent UK rollout that has raised concerns for Rattray, who holds the registered UK trademark for the name in the area of financial education and training services.
Following advice Rattray issued a cease-and-desist letter. Xero acknowledged the correspondence and made a minor naming change (adding ‘Xero’s’ before the title).
But no agreement has been reached, despite several options being offered by Rattray to resolve the matter amicably.
A spokesman for Xero said: “I’m afraid we are not able to comment on that matter right now.”
Rattray said: “We did everything by the book to protect our brand, but the system isn’t set up to support smaller businesses.
“Small businesses do the right thing,” he added. “They invest in building something valuable and unique, they trademark it, they follow the rules.”
He is calling on the government to explore ways of protecting SME intellectual property – including easier legal recourse, subsidised support, and simplified dispute resolution for registered trademarks.
Rattray established Know Your Numbers four years ago, and has helped tens of thousands of small business owners better understand their finances and make better decisions, not only through the programme but also via a successful podcast, video content and two published books all under the Know Your Numbers brand.
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