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In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF

British Insurance Ltd, which is a UK company directed by Simon Burgess, have a blue, red and white ‘target’ logo which is also strangely familiar as the RAF (Royal Air Force) ‘roundel’ used on their aircraft.

The RAF roundel was first seen in 1914 on the underside of Royal Flying Corps planes on the Western Front. The roundel was used to distinguish the RAF aircraft from the German aircraft. It was thought that if the traditional Union flag was used it could have been seen as a cross like the ones used on enemy planes. This of course could have disastrous consequences!

British Insurance Ltd applied to use a 'target' as its trademark in 2005, but have now run into problems with the RAF, who have surprised many recently, by launching a range of swimwear and clothes featuring the ‘roundel’ symbol.

In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF s

aft.

The RAF roundel was first seen in 1914 on the underside of Royal Flying Corps planes on the Western Front. The roundel was used to distinguish the RAF aircraft from the German aircraft. It was thought that if the traditional Union flag was used it could have been seen as a cross like the ones used on enemy planes. This of course could have disastrous consequences!

British Insurance Ltd applied to use a 'target' as its trademark in 2005, but have now run into problems with the RAF, who have surprised many recently, by launching a range of swimwear and clothes featuring the ‘roundel’ symbol.

In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF

thought that if the traditional Union flag was used it could have been seen as a cross like the ones used on enemy planes. This of course could have disastrous consequences!

British Insurance Ltd applied to use a 'target' as its trademark in 2005, but have now run into problems with the RAF, who have surprised many recently, by launching a range of swimwear and clothes featuring the ‘roundel’ symbol.

In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF

plied to use a 'target' as its trademark in 2005, but have now run into problems with the RAF, who have surprised many recently, by launching a range of swimwear and clothes featuring the ‘roundel’ symbol.

In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF

.

In January 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne objected to British Insurance Ltd's trademark application on the grounds that the roundel is 'instantly recognisable' as an RAF symbol.

The RAF said British Insurance Ltd's description of its trademark as a target was a 'sham'. The RAF trademarked its roundel in 1999, but not for use in financial services, such as British Insurance Ltd’s main product which is mortgage payment protection insurance.

Simon Burgess, has now retaliated by filing a counterclaim which has the possibility of invalidating one of the RAF's traditional trademarks.

Simon Burgess believes models sporting bikinis featuring the logo does his brand no favours and cheapens the whole image of British Insurance Ltd.

Simon Burgess has been quoted as saying “We have built a substantial reputation and all the swimwear does is bring up the horrific thought of Defence Secretary Des Browne wearing a bikini,”