A small bed and breakfast on the Isle of Portland in Dorset has entered a legal dispute with Airbnb over the use of the term "bnb" in its name. The establishment, bnb-side, was launched in 2024 as a fundraising initiative to support the island’s b-side arts festival, which has operated for nearly two decades. The owners say the name simply reflects the universally recognized abbreviation for "bed and breakfast."
Airbnb, the global online accommodation platform headquartered in San Francisco, opposes bnb-side’s attempt to register its name, arguing that it infringes on its brand. The company has sent three legal letters since May demanding the B&B cease using the "bnb" element, contending that it could cause consumer confusion, potentially harm Airbnb’s reputation, and give bnb-side unfair commercial advantage by implying an association with Airbnb’s service.
b-side director Rocca Holly-Nambi expressed frustration over Airbnb’s stance, noting the challenges the dispute creates for the small social enterprise. “Losing the name would trigger extensive costs—not just for replacing signage and rewriting marketing materials, but also jeopardize the bed and breakfast’s role as a significant income source,” she said. bnb-side currently accounts for nearly half of the festival’s approximate £250,000 annual turnover.
The chair of b-side, Raina Summerson, said the B&B was established to reduce reliance on public funding and provide financial stability for the festival. She warned that having to rebrand could disrupt the progress made since its opening. Local concerns around Airbnb’s growth on Portland also surfaced, with bnb-side manager Cat Wightman describing the dispute as "bitter" amid broader worries about housing affordability and the impact of large-scale short-term rental operators on the community.
bnb-side is contesting Airbnb’s opposition at the UK Intellectual Property Office, which has yet to issue a ruling. They are being advised pro bono by the law firm Stevens Hewlett & Perkins. Despite the legal challenges being daunting, the b-side team remains determined to defend their right to the name.
Legal experts note that Airbnb’s position may be difficult to uphold. Trade mark attorney Craig Beaumont described the company’s case as “an uphill battle,” pointing out that “bnb” has long been a descriptive term widely used in the industry. Public records indicate numerous accommodation providers have successfully registered business names containing “bnb” over the last decade.
Other intellectual property specialists echoed this view, suggesting that Airbnb’s efforts to claim exclusive rights over “bnb” could be seen as overreaching. Several attorneys also highlighted potential reputational risks for Airbnb given the community-oriented nature of b-side’s operation.
Airbnb has been contacted for comment but did not respond. The dispute remains ongoing as both parties await a formal decision from the Intellectual Property Office.