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Laughlines Ltd has complained to Ofcom that the BBC has breached UK competition law and manipulated the commercial market by creating a dominant position for an Australian ‘Fawlty Towers’ show.

As the owner of the copyright in the final recorded version of its TV programme and the protected trademark, the BBC was made aware in 2004 of an original British ‘Fawlty Towers’ tribute act, which established itself in the UK as the original ‘Leading British No.1 tribute’.

In 2008 the BBC provided exclusive publicity for the UK launch of an Australian ‘Fawlty Towers’ show for its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which was broadcast on the BBC ‘One Show’. The shows Australian performer, Alison Pollard Mansergh has told the press of the BBC’s support stating “The BBC have watched the show and supported us greatly”

In 2014, the BBC suddenly informed Laughlines Ltd that a licence was now required to advertise the original British No.1 ‘Fawlty Towers’ tribute act to audiences and no licence was available, causing it to be withdrawn from the market. The BBC cleared the path for the Australian ‘Fawlty Towers’ show and its performer to establish a dominant position in the UK market.

The Australian ‘Fawlty Towers’ show is now marketed to be the ‘original’ and No.1 Tribute Act’ and does not advertise any licence permissions.

We would be grateful for your support by signing our petition to urge Ofcom to hold the BBC to account – http://chng.it/GFcWhmFV6T