Medieval Reenactor's Shield Historically Accurate but Violates Modern Copyright

Medieval reenactor Colin Vestment has been issued a cease-and-desist letter after his painstakingly researched reproduction of Sir Roger de Beaumont's 1372 shield was found to be identical to the registered trademark of Gules & Associates, a Cardiff-based accounting firm. 'I spent eighteen months studying manuscript illuminations to get the exact shade of gules,' said Vestment, holding the offending shield. 'And apparently some accountant picked the same design off a clip art website three years ago and trademarked it.' The arms in question — gules, a lion rampant or — are among the most common designs in European heraldry and have been used by hundreds of families since the twelfth century. However, Gules & Associates secured a UK trademark on the specific arrangement in 2019, which their solicitor called 'completely standard intellectual property protection.' 'Our client has invested significant brand equity in this lion,' said attorney Rachel Bend-Sinister. 'The fact that someone used it seven hundred years ago is irrelevant to modern trademark law.' Vestment has appealed to the Society for Creative Anachronism, the College of Arms, and his local MP, all of whom expressed sympathy but acknowledged they have no jurisdiction over trademark disputes. 'This is what happens when you let accountants have coats of arms,' said heraldic historian Dr. Kenneth Pale. 'Next they'll trademark the fleur-de-lys and send a bill to France.' Vestment has reluctantly agreed to modify his shield, adding a small asterisk in base point with the text 'Not affiliated with Gules & Associates Ltd.' He describes the compromise as 'historically indefensible but legally necessary.'