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A Guernsey silversmith has been threatened with legal action for allegedly infringing intellectual property rights by selling souvenirs featuring one of the island's most iconic tourist attractions.
Situated in Les Vauxbelets Valley, the Little Chapel was created in 1914 by Brother Déodat, who wished to create a miniature version of the grotto and basilica at Lourdes.
It has gone on to become one of the island's best-loved landmarks among locals and tourists, with many choosing to commemorate their stay with Little Chapel-themed souvenirs.
Among the sellers is owner of Martyn Guille Silversmiths on the site of the chapel, Martyn Guille, who this week said he was shocked and disappointed to receive an advocate’s letter on behalf of some members of The Little Chapel Foundation.
In the letter, it was claimed that he did not have permission to manufacture and sell goods bearing the likeness or name of the Chapel.
Mr Guille rejects the allegations: “This letter claimed that I was passing off Little Chapel souvenirs as official when in reality I, like many tourist-friendly businesses around the island, simply sell some souvenirs that feature the building.”
Mr Guille has run his business at Les Vauxbelets for the last 14 years. He rents the building through the trustees of Blanchelande College, who own much of the surrounding land.
Pictured: Some of the souvenirs on sale which are the subject of legal action.
He noted that the Foundation do sell their own range of Little Chapel merchandise but doubted that his products could be confused with theirs since they are sold in his independent shop and without the official logo.
Mr Guille told Express: “I love my work as a silversmith – I’ve done it for 40-years – but I’ve had the most stressful three years through no fault of my own."
He claims that he has supported the attraction by constructing and allowing free use of toilet facilities within his shop, as well as offering free refreshments to visitors, especially cruise passengers.
“Last year, I invested significantly to turn my clock showroom into a separately accessed toilet block – including disabled and baby change facilities – and have had a defibrillator installed. I gave the tour guides keys to the toilets so they can be accessed out of hours,” he said.
“I’ve always been happy to do this, as I believe it improves the area and enhances the attraction for visitors and locals.”
Pictured: Mr Guille says he has generally had a constructive relationship with the Foundation.
He said of the Foundation’s own merchandise: “I could be selling their stuff every day of the week and making a profit for them… we should be working together.”
He also suggested that surrendering his stock of Little Chapel products would be damaging: “We get hundreds and hundreds of people in, so we have a lot of stock… thousands of pounds worth.”
“As a proud Guernseyman, I will continue to do my bit to make the Little Chapel an excellent local attraction to visit, and hope that those members of the Foundation who are pursuing this see sense.”
Express has reached out to The Little Chapel Foundation for comment. They did not reply in time for this publication.
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