Successful Takedown of Infringing Button Moon Products from Temu
Our Intellectual Property Team, led by Peter Hastings and supported by Abby Kerswill, recently acted on behalf of the creator of Button Moon, the much‑loved British children’s programme, to address a growing issue: the unauthorised sale of infringing merchandise on online marketplaces such as Temu.
Online marketplaces have made it easier than ever for counterfeit or infringing goods to reach consumers. For holders of intellectual property rights this presents a real threat to brand integrity, revenue, and consumer trust. Platforms like Temu host thousands of third‑party sellers and without proactive enforcement, infringing listings can multiply quickly.
Our client alerted us to a series of products on Temu that reproduced Button Moon characters and imagery without permission. After reviewing the listings, we prepared a detailed infringement report, documenting:
- Copyright violations — unauthorised reproduction of protected characters and artwork
- Passing off risks — misleading consumers into believing the goods were official
Temu operates a formal process for reporting intellectual property violations, but navigating these systems effectively requires precision and persistence. We submitted a structured complaint supported by:
- Proof of our client’s ownership of the Button Moon IP
- Screenshots and URLs of each infringing listing
- A clear legal explanation of the rights being infringed
- A request for permanent removal and seller sanctions
Following our submission, Temu confirmed that the listings breached their platform policies and intellectual property law. All identified infringing products were removed, and steps taken to prevent future re-listings.
This case demonstrates the importance of:
- Proactive monitoring of online marketplaces
- Swift legal action when infringements appear
- Experienced representation to navigate platform enforcement systems
Button Moon remains one of the most fondly remembered British children’s television programmes of the 1980s. Originally broadcast on ITV between 1980 and 1988, the adventures of Mr Spoon and friends became a familiar part of childhood for many families across the UK. The programme continues to enjoy a loyal following and is still aired on ITV to this day, alongside repeat broadcasts over the years on channels including UK Gold and Nick Jr., helping introduce the much loved series to new generations.
We are proud to have supported the creator of Button Moon in protecting their iconic work, and their dedication to the Button Moon Trust, which supports children with disabilities and promotes animal welfare, including the training and care of guide dogs. As part of Rogers & Norton’s commitment, the firm will be donating £100 to help further the work of the Button Moon Trust.
Ian Allen, creator of Button Moon, commented: “I’ve been extremely happy with the work Abby and Peter have done for me. Their support and expertise left me more than satisfied – they made a very happy Mr Spoon.”
At Rogers & Norton, our Intellectual Property Team is dedicated to protecting our clients’ intellectual property and delivering outstanding service.
If you require legal advice or assistance, please contact Peter Hastings at ph@rogers-norton.co.uk.