The Rt Hon. Lord Lamont of Lerwick

Press Release: Embargoed until Midnight, Saturday, 2nd July 2005

Logo embarrassment for Government

Lord Lamont demands answers from Jack Straw for possible infringement of Bruges Group copyright

Astonishingly, the British Government has started its Presidency of the EU by producing a logo that is strikingly similar to one owned by the Bruges Group.

Lord Lamont says;

"The Government kicked off their last EU Presidency, in 1998, with a row with Mr Berlusconi after they depicted Italy as symbolised by a Pizza. This time they have decided to use a logo similar in design to one owned by the Bruges Group.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Obviously, the Government has realised that the Bruges Group has been right all along about the Federal ambitions of the EU."

A copy of Lord Lamont's letter to Jack Straw is below

1st July 2005

The Rt Hon. Jack Straw MP
Secretary of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH

Dear Jack,

I am writing to draw your attention to the curious fact that the logo that has been chosen to represent the British Presidency of the European Union is strikingly similar to a Bruges Group logo, which was designed for the Group in the early 1990’s and was used in some Bruges Group publications.

No doubt you are aware that breach of copyright is a serious matter. The Bruges Group has taken legal advice and before we consider launching an action for any possible breach of copyright we will give you the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the creation of the British Presidency logo and how the similarities came to arise.

The remarkable parallels between the two logos in question is a matter of great concern and if you cannot adequately explain those similarities then we may seek an injunction to stop the Government using it and demand compensation.

Please find below copies of the logos in question, I am sure that you will agree with me that they are strikingly similar.

I look forward to hearing from you by noon Friday, 8th July 2005, failing which we may have no alternative but to refer this matter to our lawyers.

Yours sincerely,

Lord Lamont
Co-Chairman