MHKs queried how the enforcement of the ’wordmark’ on the letters TT could be enforced.

Tim Baker (Ayre and Michael) said: ’The department cannot seriously think that just using the two successive letters T and T in any word can be restricted? The word "letter", the word "potty", for instance?¦’

Mr Callister said it would apply to the use of the letters TT when it was a clear attempt to associate with the actual event.

’We have got to make sure that anyone using the "TT" in any way that is associated with the event is absolutely correctly licensed, in order to protect revenue streams,’ he said.

’It is not easy and, as we have encountered, it has become very difficult and it has become murky and unclear, but I am hoping that these new guidance notes and the application forms will make it a lot clearer to businesses and individuals.’

Ann Corlett (Douglas Central) asked for clarity on how strictly it would apply.

’Could he just clarify that he is not suggesting that "TT" is trademarked if it means something else?’ she asked. ’For instance, on my way down this morning I was sat at the traffic lights behind an Audi TT.’

Mr Callister said: ’We cannot get away from the fact that anybody raising two letters into capital form is trying to associate with the event, potentially losing revenue for the event.

But he added: ’The Isle of Man "TT" relates to motorcycles and Audi "TT" relates only to four wheels and they have a legal licence which is separate to the Isle of Man’s association with the TT event.’

Mr Callister revealed the DED has a dedicated e-mail address for any enquiries: [email protected]