A popular baked potato stall in Portsmouth has been compelled to adopt a new identity following a trademark disagreement with the viral social media sensation, SpudBros. The stall, previously known as The Spud Father, will now operate under the name Spud Vision.
The Roots of the Dispute
Earlier this year, Rumen Islam, 27, launched his venture, The Spud Father. However, his success was quickly overshadowed when he received legal correspondence from lawyers representing SpudBros. They asserted that the name was already trademarked and threatened legal action.
SpudBros, run by brothers Jacob Nelson, 30, and Harley Nelson, 22, from Preston, skyrocketed to fame on TikTok, amassing over four million followers. Their brand expanded from a market stall to a store in London's Soho, drawing international crowds. A central part of their menu is a dish called 'The Spudfather', a loaded potato topped with three cheeses, chilli con carne, and crispy onions, which Jacob described as a tribute to their father, Anthony, 57.
Mr Islam expressed his dismay on social media in October, calling the situation "gutting." He detailed the immense effort put into building The Spud Father's brand and community spirit, stating the legal threat from the larger company was deeply disheartening and had taken a significant mental and emotional toll.
Protecting a Legacy vs. Perceived Bullying
In response, Jacob Nelson explained that the SpudBros trademarked 'The Spudfather' in June, with registration completed in September, to protect their best-selling dish and their father's legacy as they explored franchising and retail opportunities. He emphasised that trademarks exist to prevent customer confusion and protect brands.
"We would never want anyone to feel attacked," Jacob stated, noting they had reached out privately to resolve the matter. He pointed out that a simple trademark search before launching a business could have prevented the conflict. Jacob clarified that no lawsuit was filed, only a standard legal response to protect their intellectual property.
The dispute escalated online, with Jacob revealing that his family subsequently faced threats, including towards his three-year-old daughter and their business premises.
A New Chapter: Spud Vision Launches
Accepting the need for a change, Rumen Islam unveiled the stall's new name, Spud Vision, in a TikTok video that attracted cheers and long queues in Portsmouth. The rebrand marks a fresh start for the business after a stressful period.
This incident highlights the fiercely competitive world of jacket potato vendors in the UK. The market includes other social media stars like Ben Newman, 39 (Spud Man) from Tamworth, who has 4.2 million TikTok followers and has served celebrities, and the recently opened Spud Hut near London Bridge. Numerous other creatively named spud sellers operate nationwide, from Spud Life in Newcastle to SpudSea in Southsea.
In a final message to supporters, Jacob Nelson of SpudBros encouraged support for all local traders, stating, "There is room for everyone to succeed."
