Our client, Cubico (UK) Limited, trading as Easy Bathrooms, has successfully defended a significant trade mark and passing off claim brought by the owners of the easyJet brand.
Founded in Yorkshire in 2013, Easy Bathrooms has grown from a single showroom into one of the UK’s largest bathroom and tile retailers, operating more than 150 showrooms nationwide.
On 1 July 2026, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) delivered its judgment in easyGroup Limited v Cubico (UK) Limited t/a Easy Bathrooms [2026] EWHC 1645 (IPEC). The claimant, easyGroup, had brought claims of passing off and trade mark infringement, as well as challenging the validity of Cubico and Easy Bathrooms’ UK registered trade marks.
In the proceedings, easyGroup contended that its marks, including the easyJet Mark, easyGroup Mark and easyHotel Mark, formed an “easy Family of Marks”. However, Her Honour Judge Melissa Clarke dismissed easyGroup’s claims in full, confirming that Easy Bathrooms’ key trade marks remain valid and allowing the retailer to continue trading under its established name.
The successful defence was led by James Staton, Partner in our Dispute Resolution team, together with Emily Brown. Denise McFarland, Barrister and Joint Head of Chambers at Three New Square Intellectual Property, acted as counsel for the Defendant.
We have worked with Cubico since 2016 and have advised the business on this specific issue since 2018, when easyGroup first raised allegations of trade mark infringement. Those allegations were successfully refuted at the time. Alongside intellectual property dispute resolution, we continue to provide legal support to Cubico across employment, corporate and property matters.
James Staton commented, “We are incredibly proud to have supported Easy Bathrooms in securing this decisive victory. Having advised Cubico since the first complaint was raised in 2018, it is highly rewarding to see the Court dismiss these claims in full. This judgment protects our client’s hard-earned brand identity and allows them to continue their impressive national growth trajectory without this challenge hanging over them. It was a pleasure to work alongside Denise McFarland and the wider team to deliver this excellent result.”
Craig Waddington, Founder and Chairman of Easy Bathrooms, said, “We’re delighted with the Court’s decision. Throughout these proceedings our focus never changed, we carried on growing the business, opening new showrooms and supporting customers across the UK. Being named National Bathroom Retailer of the Year for the second consecutive year during that period says everything about where our energy has been.
“We’ve always respected the importance of intellectual property rights and the role they play in protecting businesses. Equally, we’ve always believed that Easy Bathrooms earned its reputation through the quality of its people, the experience we give our customers and the strength of the business we’ve built. We can now look to the future and carry on doing what we’ve always done: helping customers create beautiful bathrooms.”
This judgment concludes a long-running dispute and confirms Easy Bathrooms’ right to continue trading under its established brand. It also highlights the importance of obtaining early, strategic legal advice when faced with trade mark and passing off claims.
For advice on trade mark disputes, passing off claims and protecting your intellectual property rights, we’re here to help. Get in touch with James Staton at JamesStaton@schofieldsweeney.co.uk.