Human rights fundraiser Art for Amnesty, the charity founded by retired barrister Bill Shipsey, has described the issuing of a trademark action against it by Amnesty International as a “great shock”. The board of the Irish-based charity said it only became aware of the High Court proceedings, lodged last Wednesday, from media enquiries. Amnesty, the global human rights organisation, confirmed on Thursday that it was suing Art for Amnesty, and Shipsey personally, over the use of the name “Amnesty” which it claims is “a registered trademark, owned by Amnesty’s International Secretariat”. The charity stated: “For the past three years we have undertaken…

Join The Currency

INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Full annual membership for just €200.

Don’t miss out on what is going on with our daily unique stories from our team of skilled journalists and insightful commentators.

Members of The Currency get full access to over 4,000 exclusive interviews, investigations, and analysis, plus over 460 podcasts.

Annual membership is just €200 for the first year, a saving of €100.

Or try The Currency for the first month for a special introductory rate of €5, a saving of €20.

Cancel at any time.

To become a member today click here.