Firms unite for Franklin Mint Di fight

City firm Titmuss Sainer Dechert has formed an alliance with Los Angeles-based firm Loeb and Loeb to defend Franklin Mint in its multi-million pound litigation over its production of a Diana, Princess of Wales, doll.

The battle is being waged in the US, but much of it hinges on UK trade mark law, says Paul Kavanagh, partner at Titmuss Sainer Dechert.

"Because she was domiciled in England, much centres around personality rights in English law and the question of whether it acts as a trade mark in the UK," says Kavanagh.

He says he has been "heavily involved" in the US and is working closely with Loeb and Loeb.

The memorial fund has, according to latest accounts, spent u1.7m on legal bills. Most of it has gone to Mishcons and Lawrence Graham. Up to u30,000 per month is being spent on US litigation alone.