An action taken by the National Lottery over the use of the word millionaire in a popular board game has been settled at the High Court.
An Post National Lottery Co had sued Celador Productions Ltd, London, and Smyths Toys Ltd, Headford Road, Galway. The National Lottery claimed it owned the trade mark millionaire. The London company, for which the board game is made, produces the ITV programme Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Celador Productions has agreed not to produce or licence any programme entitled Who Wants to be a Millionaire or any title incorporating the word millionaire for RTE, TV3 or any Irish television programme, or for any programme to be broadcast in or to Ireland.
Mr Brian O'Moore SC, for the defence, said all trade mark issues between the sides had been resolved. The settlement also allowed the TV show to be seen in Ireland and for the board game to be sold in this jurisdiction.