Facts
Reddaway sold belting called 'Camel Hair Belting'. A former employee sold belting under the same description; it was in fact made of camel hair.
Issue
Can a descriptive name acquire a secondary meaning?
Held
Yes; an was granted.
Principle
A descriptive name that has come to mean the claimant's goods is protected, but the burden is heavy.
Why it matters
Secondary meaning.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Reddaway v Banham [1896] AC 199 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/reddaway-v-banham> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.