Target loses bull's-eye battle in the U.K.

Target Corp. has lost a four-year legal battle in the U.K. over its distinctive trademark, according to reports.

The Intellectual Property Office declared that digital music provider Music Choice, which registered the bulls-eye trademark in 2001, was the legal owner of the logo and had exclusive rights to it. The decision could create difficulties for Target’s branding should it expand into the U.K. and Europe.

Target, which utilized their bull’s-eye logo in 1962 when their first store opened in Minnesota, revolutionized their insignia at the turn of the century, according to the company’s Web site.

As one of the largest domestic retailers in the U.S., Target operates approximately 1,500 stores in 47 states, including more than 175 SuperTarget stores that add an upscale grocery shopping experience.