New UKIP logo lands party in Premier League copyright row
Friday 29 September 2017 16:14, UK
UKIP have denied their new lion-based party logo risks breaching the copyright of other prominent symbols, including the Premier League's.
The party, who elected Henry Bolton as their new leader on Friday, revealed a fresh look at their annual conference in Torquay.
Members were given two options to vote on during the first day of the conference, with the party opting for a design featuring a lion together with the slogan "For The Nation".
But UKIP were immediately accused of aping other well-known logos.
Former England striker Gary Lineker suggested the Premier League "will be thrilled" with the design's apparent similarity to the logo of England's top flight.
The Premier League have not confirmed they will consult lawyers over the issue but have said they have "noted" the new UKIP logo.
The party insisted they had run legal checks to ensure their new design didn't contravene copyright laws.
Party chairman Paul Oakden, who will soon be standing down from his interim role, claimed there are "no similarities between UKIP and Britain First".
"This is the UKIP lion, it is forward-facing, it is proud, it is determined and it represents what our party are going to be as it moves into the future," he told the BBC's Daily Politics programme.
Mr Oakden suggested the Premier League's lawyers are "very welcome" to check their copyright.
