Irish firm battles Scientologists over trademark

9 Oct 2009

An Irish recruitment company has overcome a challenge over its trademark by the Church of Scientology, a religion established by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.

Prosperity Recruitment had applied to register the trademark of its own name, “Prosperity.”

However, it is understood that objections arose as the Church of Scientology has a similar trademark relating to the word “Prosperity.”

The objection said Prosperity Recruitment’s activities were too closely described as those of the Scientologists.

After much difficulty, Prosperity was successfully able to overcome these issues with the trademark office and its trademark will now be officially registered and protected.

“It is amusing that an Irish recruitment company’s services could be considered to be a close match to the goods and services described by the Scientologists,” said Prosperity director Gary Mullan.

“Prosperity Recruitment aims to promote a different kind of happiness – one that is all the more in demand in this current economic climate,” Mullan deadpanned.

By John Kennedy

Photo: Prosperity Recruitment’s logo.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com