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It's emerged that The Little Chapel Foundation is trying to trademark images and logos of the iconic Guernsey tourist attraction - but its members are staying silent on the matter until their legal row with a souvenir seller is over.
Silversmith Martyn Guille, who operates his business on the site of the Chapel, is being accused of infringing intellectual property rights by selling merchandise featuring the miniature landmark.
As Express reported yesterday, he recently received a letter on behalf of the Foundation threatening him with legal action - a move that has since prompted significant public and political backlash.
It has now emerged that the Foundation has applied to the Guernsey Registry to trademark the words 'The Little Chapel', along with some related images and logos - but these applications are still pending.
Express asked the Foundation if the legal threat was launched as a unanimous decision or by certain members, how the registered charity is funding its related legal costs, and why attempts are being made to trademark the Little Chapel.
But the Foundation have declined to comment on any media requests “until the legal process has been completed”.
One of the world's smallest consecrated spaces and believed to be Guernsey's most-visited tourist spot, the seashell and broken china-decorated Little Chapel was created in 1914 by Brother Déodat, who wished to emulate the grotto and basilica at Lourdes.
The site was owned by the Parish-based Institut des Frères des Écoles Chrétiennes - known as the De La Salle Brothers - until 2016 when the religious order gifted it to the Little Chapel Foundation.
At the time, the chapel was believed to be near-collapse, and the Foundation launched a bid to raise £500,000 to complete a restoration of it.
The Foundation’s purpose was stated as follows: “To restore and maintain the Little Chapel, a property in the parish of St. Andrew, and tend the parcel of land on which the property stands in accordance with the constitution of the Foundation and any such works that the councillors deem appropriate.”
Pictured: The Little Chapel Foundation is seeking a total of £500,000 to complete a restoration of the iconic church.
The structure of the Little Chapel Foundation states that the “Chief Minister / Economic Minister” of the States of Guernsey are guardians of the Foundation.
Express contacted Deputy Peter Ferbrache, President of the Policy and Resources Committee, who said he hasn’t been “party to this matter”.
“What I can say is that, like all disputes, I hope it can be resolved amicably,” he added.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said he was “unimpressed” with the situation in a post on social media.
“We have one established and very well-run business that has enhanced Guernsey's tourist offering next to a monument whose Foundation trustees have done a great job stopping the [Chapel] sliding down the hill,” he commented.
He revealed that he has been aware of tensions between the two parties “for a while” and hopes a better working relationship can soon be realised.
Deputy Inder added: “It feels like hot dog van turf wars on Brighton Pier.”
Pictured: Deputy Inder likened the spat to competing hot dog sellers on Brighton Pier.
The Committee for Economic Development have political responsibility for the promotion and development of all sectors of business including intellectual property, retail, and tourism.
The Foundation are in the process of trademarking the phrase 'The Little Chapel' as well as five images related to the Chapel. These were published by the registrar on July 25 and August 1.
Under the Nice classification system for registering trademarks, the Foundation have applied for classes 09, 14, 16, 21, 25, 28, 35, 36, 39, 41, and 43. Classes between 1 and 34 include goods, whilst those between 35 and 45 are for services.
Pictured: The Foundation are attempting to trademark "The Little Chapel" as well as logos and images of the building.
Class 14 includes precious metals and their alloys, such as for jewellery, key rings, key chains, clocks, and watches.
Class 16 includes mainly paper and carboard, photographs and stationery, whilst class 25 incudes clothing, footwear, and headwear.
For services, the Foundation are seeking to trademark use of the Little Chapel in advertising (35), transport (39), and education (41).
Those applications can be viewed HERE.
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