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LONDON. – A UK mother was left “absolutely devastated” after her daughter’s passport application was denied because she was named after a popular “Game of Thrones” character.
Lucy, from South West England, told the BBC that the initial application to get her daughter, Khaleesi, 6, a passport was denied – with officials telling her she needed Warner Brothers’ approval because it owns the name’s trademark.
“I was absolutely devastated, we were so looking forward to our first holiday together,” Lucy said.
The 39-year-old mom was planning their “dream” trip to Disneyland Paris when she got the bad news.
“I had a letter come through from the Passport Office, saying her name is trademarked by Warner Brothers,” she said. “It was the first I’ve heard of such a thing — I was astonished.”
After receiving legal advice, the disappointed mom learned her daughter was allowed to use that name, and forwarded that information to the Passport Office.
“I didn’t understand and felt frustrated. If she could get a birth certificate, would something not have been flagged up then?” she said.
“I never thought you could trademark a name,” she added.
Lucy’s daughter was named after the character Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi, in the popular HBO show.
The Passport Office reportedly later called Lucy to apologise for the error.
While officials said they’d now be able to process little Khaleesi’s passport, Lucy said she believes the problem was only solved because she complained on social media.
“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, adding that others had reached out saying they’d experienced something similar.
She also hopes her story may help others stuck in a similar situation.
“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. – New York Post
Online Reporter