http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/...-pressure.html

The charity have kicked up a massive fuss about it. I genuinely dont see why. Not me being ignorant, anyone explain why its "so terrible" Rhythmix have the same name as a random charity?

The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) were a much bigger entity that some manufactured girl band on a Saturday night entertainment show and they had to change their name (WWE) because of a charity.

A better question should be "Why didn't the X Factor researchers do a simply Google search when coming up with names to check they don't already belong to other people (especially charities)?".

I knew this ages ago after I searched for them on Google and got the charity's website which is top when you search for 'Rhythmix'.

On a lighter note I heard 'The Risk' could have had the same issue until Tulisa changed their name at the last minute from 'The British Heart Foundation'

I don't agree with the way the charity seem to be handling it (if it's true) but I suppose with it being a music charity they'd prefer not to be linked to a specific singer/group incase people think it's connected

Edit: and yes I agree that the X Factor should have done a bit of research before naming the group

Really? I like the X Factor but I'm not that much of a fan to think a registered charity that has been going for 12 years should lose it's right to trade in Europe because four girls who didn't even know each other a few months ago are doing Karoake on prime time TV under the same moniker.

I never said that they shouldn't change the name .. I think that they should .. my point is that reading the article in the link provided it seems that the charity are acting a bit p*ssy in the way the quotes are worded and the whole bit about them supporting the Nirvana campaign .. it seems a bit petty and not a very professional way to do business and to me doesn't reflect very well on the charity

My bad diamond. Reading back I did go a bit OTT for a minute.

If it was their initial reaction then yes. However, the charity raised this with the producers about a month ago and were basically told to 'get a lawyer'. Which is really lovely coming from a massive powerhouse as Syco to a small independent charity who would have faced massive legal bills if Syco weren't willing to change their name.

They had every right to 'act p*ssy'.

no probs


yeah i understand that and X Factor were at fault in the first place by not doing their homework and being snotty to the charity .. i just think that it would have looked better if the Charity hadn't stooped to Syco's method of response

That had every right to, protecting whats theirs - like Simon Cowell's attitude to copyright theft or piracy.

I would argue that without that response, Syco wouldn't have taken a blind bit of notice.

The other problem was, that they wouldn't have been "sharing" the name. Syco were seeking exclusive rights on the trademark, which means that the charity would not have been able to use the name and been forced to change it... and I can assure you that they WOULD have been forced to change it. Similar cases have been Lady Gaga trying to get the domain name ladygaga dot org that failed because it was a non profit fansite that made no income or sold no merchandise from the site. Another case was an Australian designer called Katie Perry whose attempt at obtaining a trademark for her design business was blocked after an objection by Katy Perry (or those representing her). The objection was later dropped and the trademark was granted.

The point is, the music business can be and usually are ruthless in their protection of both copyright and trademark, so the charity did absolutely the right thing or their use of the name would have without any doubt have ended. At least common sense in this case prevailed saving the charity much needed funds and saving Syco the embarrassment of a court case which they would inevitably lose.

I agree, the potential future rammifications for the charity meant that there was no way both could exist under the same name, and it's probably right for the group to have to change theirs, rather than the charity.

And besides, it's a terrible name. It sounds more like a brand of cereal than a successful girl group tbh, the girls should be thankful for the opportunity to get a better name!