The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has failed in an attempt to injunct its rival, the United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra.

The UOGB is made up of British musicians who dress up in black tie, sing and tell jokes. They have performed more than 1,000 times and make a (presumably successful) living touring the world. The UKUO is also made up of British musicians, but is based in Germany and performs largely for the continental market. It is starting a tour in the UK next month, and the UOGB sought to injunct it on the basis that its name might cause confusion. All very Peoples' Front of Judea / Judean Peoples' Front.

Fig. 1 - how it should look.

Fig. 2 - how it shouldn't.*

Judge Richard Hacon at the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court refused to grant the injunction, pointing out that the UKUO had been performing for many years and the UOGB should have got its act together sooner. The matter may still go to full trial, but in the meantime UKUO's tour can kick off as planned in Lincoln on 15th October. Much to the delight of local residents.

A spokesman for UKUO said that he wished UOGB well, and added that "we never, ever wanted to have competition with the other side".

*Yes, yes, we know it's technically a banjolele rather than a ukulele, but you get the point.