🏛️ Friends of Manipay Hospital Secures Commercial High Court Victory

• Legal Ruling: The Commercial High Court of Colombo rejected an interim injunction application brought by a former volunteer rider seeking to stop Friends of Manipay Hospital (FOMH) from using the Ride For Ceylon brand. The Court awarded Rs. 75,000 in costs to FOMH. • Intellectual Property & Brand Heritage: The Court recognized FOMH’s long-standing charitable use of the Ride For Ceylon trademark across both the UK and Sri Lanka. • UK IPO Precedent: The ruling referenced a 2022 UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) decision (O/882/22), which previously ruled in favor of FOMH regarding the UK trademark ownership of Ride For Ceylon. The plaintiff failed to disclose these UK proceedings in the Sri Lankan action. • Healthcare & Community Impact: Ride For Ceylon raises international funds for Green Memorial Hospital, a historic Sri Lankan medical institution established in 1848. FOMH reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its healthcare initiatives and intellectual property assets for intended beneficiaries.