We Are Spartacus is offering support to independent practices ‘in limbo’ from IVC Evidensia’s legal threats.
The group was formed by affected practices after the large veterinary group threatened legal action against businesses using the term ‘Pet Health Club’ in their marketing.
This has been a tense and difficult year for dozens of independent practices that received a letter from IVC Evidensia claiming a wordmark on the phrase ‘Pet Health Club’. The letter, issued by IVC’s chief medical officer Gudrun Ravetz and legal counsel Alice Holt, claimed that IVC Evidensia’s use of Pet Health Club had ‘built-up goodwill and reputation in the United Kingdom’.
In a follow-up letter, IVC Evidensia extended their deadline, instructing practices to comply before 31 December 2025.
However, with the deadline now passed, none of the threatened businesses have received any further correspondence. This has left many independent practices in a state of limbo.
Dr Natalie Morris-Webb, owner of Malthouse Vets, said: “Last year was a worrying time for lots of independent practices with a ‘Pet Health Club’. Many of those that came forward had been using the term long before IVC registered its wordmark in 2019 and either had to face the cost and hassle of rebranding their health plans or enter into a legal dispute with IVC.
“Neither of these are appealing options for independent practices, or their owner-managers. Although IVC appears to have ceased defending the ‘pet health club’ wordmark, with none of the affected practices reporting any further correspondence for many months, the uncertainty is still there.
“It’s unacceptable that IVC has not yet achieved a commercial settlement, or revealed whether they have given the industry a reprieve and no longer plan to take legal action.”
Rita Dingwall, FIVP chair, said: “The We Are Spartacus team is providing an excellent support system for practices impacted by IVC Evidensia’s legal threats. It is only by uniting that independent practices can combat such situations.
“We would recommend any FIVP members get in touch with We Are Spartacus if they have any concerns about the ongoing dispute.”
For more information about We Are Spartacus, visit its website. While FIVP is in support of the initiative, it is not directly working with the We Are Spartacus group.
