A United Kingdom-based mother has spread the word about her difficult experience obtaining a passport for her daughter, Khaleesi, 6.
The mother — 39-year-old Lucy — named her daughter after Game of Thrones’ strong and noble heroine of the same name. She told the BBC that the U.K. Passport Office rejected her daughter’s application before their first trip abroad, which she hopes will be to Disneyland Paris.
The Passport Office’s letter response to Lucy reportedly said young Khaleesi would need permission from Warner Brothers entertainment company in order to get a passport with her name. Essentially, the U.K. agency requested proof that the entertainment titan cleared the usage of the Khaleesi name.
Noted in her BBC interview, Lucy’s Disneyland Paris adventure with her daughter is the mother’s “dream” trip.
“I was absolutely devastated, we were so looking forward to our first holiday together,” Lucy said of the Passport Office’s initial response.
“It was the first I’ve heard of such a thing — I was astonished,” the 39-year-old Swindon resident added regarding the proof of permission request.
What Happens Next For Khaleesi, Her Mom, And Their Passport Issue?
Lucy learned through legal counsel that the standing Game of Thrones trademark doesn’t prohibit people from using the names of the TV series‘ characters. JUSTIA Trademarks reveals that the show’s legal filing of intellectual property applies to the design of the Game of Thrones logo. Warner Brothers filed a trademark for “Khaleesi” in 2012 but seemingly abandoned it in 2016. The latter pertained to beauty and personal products possibly released under the Khaleesi name.
Moreover, the Passport Office reportedly only needs Warner Brothers’ permission in cases where someone requests a name change to one of the company’s characters.
Young Khaleesi’s passport plight is seemingly on the mend. The U.K.’s Home Office — the government’s ministerial department overseeing immigration, security, and other matters — has weighed in on the issues. A spokesperson told BBC, “We can confirm the application is being processed and apologize to the family for the delay.”
“I didn’t understand and felt frustrated. If she could get a birth certificate, would something not have been flagged up then?” Lucy questioned. “I never thought you could trademark a name.”
“If I hadn’t posted this on social media, nothing would have been done. I would have been stuck, not knowing what to do,” she continued. “People contacted me about similar experiences.”
Lucy still hopes she and her daughter will make it to Paris. They have looked forward to the experience. According to BBC’s early August coverage, the mother is still waiting on the 6-year-old’s passport to make the Disney trip happen. The U.K. government claims that citizens can usually expect their passports within three weeks of sending an application.
