A CRADLEY-based record label has been forced to change its logo by the Coca-Cola company.

Lockjaw Records was sent a 27-page letter by lawyers acting for the multinational corporation, threatening them with legal action.

The company had recently adopted a logo designed in the distinctive style of the famous drink.

It said "Enjoy Lockjaw" in an echo of a famous Coke advertising slogan.

But the label owners decided discretion was the better part of valour after getting the legal warning from London law firm Carpmaels and Ransford, England's oldest-established patents and trademarks lawyers.

"It's really strange," said Ben Turner, one of Lockjaw's co-owners.

"They really seemed to think that people would get mixed up between Coca-Cola and Lockjaw, an independent record label specialising in punk rock and hardcore music.

"But they said it was a class nine infringement of the Trademarks Act and we had to take it off the website within seven days.

"They also wanted us to destroy some t-shirts we had made with the logo on it, but we'd sold them all, so there wasn't much we could do about that.

"It wasn't worth the hassle. It just seems that big businesses don't have much of a sense of humour."

Coca-Cola spokesman Martin Norris would not comment on particular cases, but said the company was quick to defend its trademarks.

"When there is an infringement of our trademarks, we are very protective. They are an important part of our branding.

"It is something that happens quite frequently on a global basis."

Lockjaw Records was formed in 1997 by members of the band Tribute To Nothing to release their music and those of like-minded bands.

Since then, it has released records by numerous different artists, and has about seven active bands on its roster. These include My Deaf Audio, Midasuno, Monkey Boy and Aurasun.

Lockjaw has now adopted a logo featuring an American-style eagle.