Small Gloucestershire gym faces Gymshark challenge over its name

Gymshark is seeking UK trademark rights to “Conditioning Club” and “The Conditioning Club”, names also used by a small gym in Fairford, Gloucestershire. The dispute could threaten the local business’s ability to keep using its name and has drawn attention to the financial imbalance between the two companies.

Gym owner John Watson registered the name for fitness services five years ago and says his business now serves about 500 members, with nine staff and three self-employed trainers. Gymshark’s applications cover areas including clothing, retail and entertainment; Watson opposes one application and has sought to extend his own trademark, while Gymshark is challenging his original registration as too generic. His legal costs are nearing £30,000, and a crowdfunding campaign has raised just over £5,000.