A mother from the UK faced a heartbreaking setback when her six-year-old daughter, named Khaleesi, was denied a passport due to trademark issues associated with the name. Lucy, a 39-year-old from Wiltshire, had been eagerly anticipating a family trip to Disneyland Paris, a dream vacation that had been meticulously planned and saved for. However, her excitement turned to devastation when she received a rejection letter from the UK Passport Office.
The letter stated that the name Khaleesi, inspired by the popular television series Game of Thrones, was trademarked by Warner Brothers, the franchise’s owner. This meant that the passport could not be issued without explicit permission from the company. “I was absolutely devastated; we were so looking forward to our first holiday together,” Lucy shared with the BBC.
The family had invested significant time and resources into planning their trip, making the rejection all the more shocking. Lucy’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. “I had a letter come through from the Passport Office, saying her name is trademarked by Warner Brothers. It was the first I’d heard of such a thing — I was astonished,” she recalled.
After receiving the rejection, Lucy sought legal advice. Her solicitors informed her that while Game of Thrones does have trademarks, they pertain to goods and services, not personal names. Armed with this information, Lucy contacted the Passport Office, hoping to clarify the situation. However, she was met with the same response: a letter from Warner Brothers was still required.
This frustrating back-and-forth left Lucy feeling confused and upset. “I didn’t understand and felt frustrated. If she could get a birth certificate, would something not have been flagged up then?” she questioned. “I never thought you could trademark a name,” she added, expressing her disbelief at the situation.
As the situation escalated, Lucy took to social media to share her story, which garnered significant attention. The public outcry surrounding her daughter’s passport application eventually led to a resolution. The Passport Office reached out to Lucy, acknowledging their error and apologizing for the confusion. They clarified that the guidance provided to her staff only applied to name changes, not to birth names.
“He advised me that they should be able to process my daughter’s passport now,” Lucy stated, feeling a mix of relief and caution. She believed that without the publicity generated by her social media posts, the issue might have remained unresolved. “If I hadn’t posted this on social media, nothing would have been done. I would have been stuck, not knowing what to do,” she said, noting that others had reached out to her with similar experiences.
The Passport Office has since committed to expediting Khaleesi’s application, and Lucy is now hopeful about finally booking their long-awaited trip to Disneyland Paris. “I am hoping the passport will be issued soon and was promised that they would call back in a few days to see if it had progressed,” she told the outlet.
In the Game of Thrones series, “Khaleesi” is a title given to Daenerys Targaryen, a central character portrayed by Emilia Clarke. The name translates to “queen” in the Dothraki language, a fictional nomadic warrior tribe in the show. Daenerys earns this title after marrying Khal Drogo, a Dothraki warlord, and eventually leading them.
Lucy expressed her hope that her story might help others who find themselves in similar situations. “I think there might be other people in this situation, that they may have had their passports declined recently because of something like this. Hopefully, they now know it can be resolved,” she said.
The ordeal has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Lucy and her daughter. After the initial shock of the rejection, the subsequent confusion and frustration, and finally the relief of a resolution, Lucy is now focused on the future. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Khaleesi’s passport so they can finally embark on their dream holiday.
The Home Office has confirmed that Khaleesi’s application is being processed and has apologized to the family for the delay. Lucy’s experience serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise from seemingly simple situations, especially when it comes to names and trademarks.
As the family looks forward to their trip, Lucy remains cautiously optimistic. She hopes that their story will not only lead to a successful passport application but also raise awareness about the potential challenges others may face when it comes to names that are tied to popular culture.
In the end, Lucy’s determination and willingness to speak out on social media played a crucial role in resolving the issue. Her experience highlights the importance of advocacy and the power of community support in navigating bureaucratic challenges.
As they prepare for their long-awaited trip, Lucy and Khaleesi are excited about the adventures that await them in Disneyland Paris. With the passport issue now behind them, they can finally look forward to creating lasting memories together.
Source: BBC, Metro
