By Lucy, 39, from Swindon, Wiltshire, was left disappointed when her 6-year-old daughter Khaleesi’s passport application was rejected due to a trademark issue with the name derived from Game of Thrones.
Despite legal clarification that the trademark pertains to goods and services rather than personal names, the Passport Office insisted on Warner Brothers’ permission.
Khaleesi was the title given to Daenerys Targaryen when she married Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki people. It signifies “queen” or “wife of the khal” in their language. Daenerys, portrayed by Emilia Clarke in the television series Game of Thrones, undergoes a transformative journey from exile to becoming a formidable leader. She was known for her dragons and her relentless quest to reclaim the Iron Throne of Westeros, making her a central figure in theseries
Lucy, who works in Cirencester, had planned and saved for a dream trip to Disneyland Paris with Khaleesi. However, her hopes were dashed upon receiving a letter from the Passport Office citing trademark concerns. “I was absolutely devastated,” Lucy shared. “We were so looking forward to our first holiday together.”
She sought legal advice, which revealed that while Game of Thrones is trademarked, it applies strictly to merchandise and services. “I never thought you could trademark a name,” Lucy added.
After media attention and public outcry, the Passport Office apologized for the mistake, attributing it to a misunderstanding by staff. They assured Lucy that Khaleesi’s passport application is now being processed without requiring Warner Brothers’ endorsement. “If I hadn’t posted this on social media, nothing would have been done,” Lucy remarked. “I would have been stuck, not knowing what to do.”
