Billionaire Sir Richard Branson loses his stranglehold on use of the word "virgin"

Sir Richard Branson is easily one of the most powerful men in the world today.... his accomplishments speak for themselves

It seems like Sir Richard Branson thought, that being the successful billionaire he is, he would have been able to own the word "virgin" and dictate who uses it, and how they use it. Surprisingly, the English mogul managed to accomplish this and impose himself for a number of years, prohibiting the commercial usage of the word without his consent. Judging from this report, the entrepreneur was forced to loosen the vice grip which he held on the word's use in brand names.

Above: Some of the many recognizable companies which form the diverse consortium known by the world as the Virgin group

The mere fact that Branson's Virgin Group attempted to fight for the commercial use of a word in brand names, shows how paranoid even the most successful business heads can be. It is inexplicable why Sir Richard would still feel the need to protect a word which is instantly associated with his group, the group which owns and operates airline companies, (one of which is highly profitable despite the recession) a record company, a beverage company, a mobile & telecommunications company, banks, and you get my point. He has spread his wings so far and wide, that his penchant for bullying others who attempt to use the "V" word is somewhat unnerving.

I admire Branson's success, and it is very heartening to read his timeless biography, but it is a huge disappointment to witness his attempts to control the markets his companies are in.

N.B. Let us remember that there is a branch of his company set up in every viable market you can think of or imagine.