Dozens of independent veterinary practices across the UK still face uncertainty over their health plans following IVC Evidensia's wordmark claims for 'Pet Health Club', according to We Are Spartacus, a campaign group formed to fight the claims. 

IVC started writing to the practices at the start of last year, threatening legal action over their use of the term 'Pet Health Club', which the company says infringes its trademark rights.

In March 2025, IVC sent follow-up letters to affected practices, offering an extension until 31st December 2025 to comply with its demands, but according to We Are Spartacus, there has been no contact since the deadline passed.

Meanwhile, We Are Spartacus reports that 200 veterinary professionals have registered their opposition to IVC's claims via its website.

Dr Natalie Morris-Webb, owner of Malthouse Vets, one of the affected practices, said: “Last year was a worrying time for lots of independent practices with a ‘Pet Health Club.’

"Many of those that came forward had been using the term long before IVC registered its wordmark in 2019 and either had to face the cost and hassle of rebranding their health plans or enter into a legal dispute with IVC.

“Neither of these are appealing options for independent practices, or their owner managers.

"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 said: "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."

The Pet Health Club website does not currently state that the scheme is owned by IVC Evidensia.

www.wearespartacus.co.uk