The story of Lady Godiva’s naked ride through the streets of Coventry has been a cornerstone of British folklore for 1,000 years. But now a Belgian chocolate manufacturer has sparked outrage by claiming it has exclusive rights to both her name and the famous image of her on top of a horse. The situation was exposed when lawyers acting for the confectionery giant fired a warning letter to a pub called The Lady Godiva last week, warning that it was infringing on its ‘intellectual property’. Owner Glen Simons was given a 90-day ultimatum to change his bar’s name and remove all references to the 11th Century noblewoman, whose daring protest at oppressive taxes has become the stuff of legend.
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Confectionery giant's lawyers have sent warning letter to Lady Godiva pub
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Owner Glen Simons given 90-day ultimatum to remove any references to her
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Godiva famously rode horse naked into Coventry opposing oppressive tax
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Locals warns 'if Belgians try to enforce this in Coventry, there'll be protests'
Lady Godiva
Lady Godiva
Godiva
In addition to our chocolates and the shops that sell them, we also have a growing line of @placeholder cafes.