Please note: The full report of this case could not be confirmed; this summary is limited to the point the case is usually cited for.
Facts
Cited for the point that the words 'vacuum cleaner' were descriptive and not protected.
Issue
Are descriptive words protected?
Held
The words 'vacuum cleaner' were descriptive and not protected.
Principle
The words 'vacuum cleaner' were descriptive and not protected.
Why it matters
Descriptive names.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
British Vacuum Cleaner Co Ltd v New Vacuum Cleaner Co Ltd (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/british-vacuum-cleaner-v-new-vacuum-cleaner> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.