Parents who want to name their children after Disney characters, global brands, football teams or sci-fi heroes may well want to think again, as it could make travelling a nightmare in time to come. That was the scenario facing one family this week when they faced missing a dream holiday to the Dominican Republic because of their son's name. A passport application for youngster Loki Skywalker Mowbray was thrown out by Home Office officials 'for copyright issues'.Incorrectly, actually - this story has already surfaced and been blown out of the water once. So much for civil servants 'learning lessons'.
His disappointed father, soldier and massive Star Wars fan Christian Mowbray, 48, from Woodbridge, Suffolk, was told to change his son's name or get permission from the copyright owner Disney to use the name 'Skywalker'. While the Home Office has since U-turned on their decision, their experience serves as a cautionary tale to others - including people considering changing their birth names by deed poll - not to fall foul of the Home Office's pernickety rules for passports.
They don't need to, the Home Office needs to ensure the people that 'work' there understand the rules. Something they seem to find hard to do.
What the hell have these alleged copyright issues got to do with them? If Disney have a problem surely it's up to them to pursue the matter.
ReplyDeleteStonyground.
Must admit I agree with you, Stonyground.
DeleteI understand that the child's father is a senior NCO in the British Army. From my military days, when a soldier reached that level, a modicum of intelligence and forethought becomes apparent, though not, it appears in this case, naming the child as he, and presumably the boy's mother, did.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember when David and Angie Bowie named their son Zowie Bowie. Look how that turned out. As soon as he could, he changed his name to Duncan Jones, so there is hope for young Loki yet.
Penseivat
"dream holiday to the Dominican Republic"
ReplyDelete????
Each to his own I suppose.
"What the hell have these alleged copyright issues got to do with them? "
ReplyDeleteWell, quite! Unless they fear being 'accessories' to a charge of copyright infringement, but even in the US, can't see that one flying!
"Look how that turned out. As soon as he could, he changed his name to Duncan Jones..."
Teenage rebellion! I thought all pop stars were in favour of that?
"Each to his own I suppose."
It's great for nature lovers, apparently.