The group claimed wordmark over ‘Pet Health Club’ a year ago.

Independent practices have been left ‘in limbo’ after receiving legal threats from IVC Evidensia over a year ago, a support group has said.

In letters to dozens of practices, IVC Evidensia claimed wordmark over the term ‘Pet Health Club’ and demanded practices cease use of the term.

The letter, issued by IVC chief medical officer Gudrun Ravetz and legal counsel Alice Holt, described the term as ‘a trading name of Independent Vetcare Limited’. It claimed that it had built goodwill and reputation in the United Kingdom.

A follow-up letter gave independent practices a deadline of 31 December 2025 to act upon IVC Evidensia’s demands. However, since the deadline passed, none of the practices have received any further communications from the veterinary group.

IVC Evidensia’s first legal letter prompted the formation of a support group, We Are Spartacus, where affected practices could unite against the threats. Within days the website received hundreds of supporters.

Dr Natalie Morris-Webb, owner of Malthouse Vets, said: “Although IVC appears to have ceased defending the ‘pet health club’ wordmark, with none of the affected practices reporting any further correspondence for many months, the uncertainty is still there.

“It’s unacceptable that IVC has not yet achieved a commercial settlement, or revealed whether they have given the industry a reprieve and no longer plan to take legal action.”

An IVC Evidensia spokesperson has responded, stating: "We have no current plans to approach anyone we haven’t previously contacted on this matter, but of course, we reserve the rights available to the company, as trademark holder, to protect our trademarks and customers in the future, as in any sector."

"A material number of those previously infringing our trademark have now updated their branding. Anyone still in breach was given clear notification, so the position is unambiguous - they are required to update.”

Meanwhile, We Are Spartacus has reported separate legal processes being enacted by IVC Evidensia.

The large veterinary group has been registering a number of wordmarks, common phrases and trademarks, including the phrase ‘It’s not what we do, it’s why we do it’. It has also registered ‘IVC inspiring veterinary care’, which We Are Spartacus suggests could be confused with RCVS’ strapline, ‘inspiring confidence in veterinary care’.

A spokesperson from We Are Spartacus said: “Now IVC is attempting to trademark the words ‘inspiring vet care’, so there’s a possibility that the RCVS is now in Gudrun and Alice’s sights, due to the similarities with its strapline.

“If this is the case, we’d welcome the RCVS to join We Are Spartacus. Hundreds of those that registered on our website weren’t affected by the legal letters, but they still wanted to show their support and stand alongside everyone that has had to contend with IVC’s threats. There’s no doubt this support and solidarity from the wider veterinary industry would extend to the RCVS as well, should they need it."

IVC Evidensia’s trademark application can be viewed online.

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