Tinder's Legal Clash with Romantic Entrepreneur Over 'Tender' App
In a whimsical turn of events, Rhys Kentish, an app developer based in East London, finds himself in an unexpected legal entanglement with Tinder, a heavyweight in the dating app industry. His creation, ‘Tender: Couple Photos & Game,’ initially a gesture of love for his wife, now finds itself under the critical eye of Tinder’s intellectual property team.
A Romantic Gesture Turned Legal Battle
Rhys, inspired by a light-hearted tweet, designed ‘Tender’ to feature a single dating option: his wife, Elissar. But this charming endeavor soon caught the unwanted attention of Tinder, who flagged the app for strikingly similar trademarks and the use of the term ‘swipe,’ alleging it infringed on their established rights.
Inspiration Rooted in Love
Rhys and Elissar, both avid lovers of unique app creations, met six years ago and tied the knot this May. Previously, Rhys captured their hearts with another app that intertwined their romantic spots in London within a treasure hunt proposal, speckled with New York Times-like puzzles, culminating in a touching engagement story. According to My London, such loving gestures have become a creative expression of Rhys’s admiration for Elissar.
Corporate Giant vs. Passionate Innovator
Despite the lighthearted origin of ‘Tender,’ Tinder argues that the application’s likeness in branding and terminology creates potential consumer confusion, something Tinder sternly guards against. Rhys, however, finds the notion of trademarking ‘swipe’ overly assertive and is adamantly disputing the complaint regarding the name’s similarity.
A Change Amidst Disputes
In a bid to navigate the storm, Rhys has agreed to remove the term ‘swipe’ from his app, substituting it with ‘pan,’ while awaiting further responses from Tinder. Rhys’s belief in the distinctiveness of his creation remains steadfast, emphasizing the differing app icons and functionalities.
Awaiting the Outcome
As this legal saga unfolds, Rhys and his wife await an amicable resolution. Meanwhile, the story encapsulates a tale where love meets litigation, a testament to how personal projects capturing hearts can ripple into broader intellectual discussions.
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