A small bed and breakfast on the Isle of Portland in Dorset is contesting legal action from Airbnb over the use of the term “bnb” in its name, challenging the multinational company’s efforts to protect what it views as its brand identity. The dispute centers on bnb-side, a six-room guesthouse established in 2024 to help fund the local arts festival b-side, in operation for nearly two decades.

The owners of bnb-side say the name simply reflects the widely understood abbreviation for bed and breakfast accommodations and emphasizes the community-focused, local nature of their enterprise. “We thought the name was both really obvious and really cool,” said Rocca Holly-Nambi, director of b-side, noting that adding “bn” in front of “side” was meant to signal the type of lodging offered. The bed and breakfast is located on the Isle of Portland, a small limestone island joined to Dorset’s coast by a narrow strip of land.

However, Airbnb, the San Francisco-based online accommodation platform, has filed three legal warnings since May demanding the bed and breakfast cease using the name “bnb-side.” The company argues that the guesthouse’s name could cause consumer confusion, potentially harm Airbnb’s reputation, and be perceived as an official part of Airbnb’s services. Airbnb has refused to compromise on variations such as changing capitalization or adding symbols, insisting that bnb-side avoid the term “bnb” entirely.

The potential loss of the name presents significant challenges for the festival’s financial future. According to Holly-Nambi, rebranding would mean abandoning established signage, websites, and marketing materials—a logistical and financial burden that could jeopardize a critical revenue stream. The B&B currently generates nearly half of the festival’s annual turnover, estimated at £250,000. Raina Summerson, chair of b-side, said the enterprise was launched partly to reduce dependence on public funding and bring stability to the festival’s finances.

The case is currently before the UK Intellectual Property Office, which has yet to issue a ruling. b-side is seeking a full rejection of Airbnb’s opposition as well as costs awarded in its favor.

Locally, the legal challenge has stirred resentment toward Airbnb, a platform viewed by some community members as contributing to housing affordability issues and the decline of smaller hospitality businesses on the island. Cat Wightman, manager of bnb-side, said the confrontation feels “pretty bitter” given the company’s impact on the local market.

B-side has secured pro bono legal support from Stevens Hewlett & Perkins but acknowledges the process is daunting. “It’s terrifying but we’re not going to back down,” Holly-Nambi said.

Experts in intellectual property law suggest Airbnb’s case is far from straightforward. Craig Beaumont, a trademark attorney, noted that “bnb” has long been considered a generic, descriptive term for bed and breakfast services, which generally cannot be monopolized. Companies House records show at least 14 accommodation businesses have successfully registered names including “bnb” in the past decade.

Other specialists highlight potential reputational risks for Airbnb in aggressively pursuing enforcement against a community organization. Lee Curtis, a trademark attorney, cautioned that such actions could backfire publicly.

Airbnb has been contacted for comment on the matter.