[2025] EWHC 1954 (IPEC)

There was some correspondence between Mr Lant, Mr Dunn and Mr Bray in 2015, when Mr Lant complained of their use of his artwork. This was not pursued at the time, but no point was taken about that.

Then in late 2023, Mr Lant learned that the First Defendant was selling Venom merchandise using the works in which he claims copyright. This appears to have flowed from a licensing agreement executed in early November 2023 between Mr Bray’s company Abaddon Clothing and the First Defendant. The Particulars of Claim alleged that Mr Bray had authorised the First Defendant’s acts of infringement and this was not disputed. It was not clear to me when the First Defendant first started selling merchandise pursuant to the agreement. Mr Lant’s solicitors first wrote to the First Defendant on 22 December 2023 and provided additional details of his claim in January 2024. The claim form was issued on 19 June 2024. A case management conference was held on 15 January 2025.