Signet, as Ratners was rebranded in 1993, has begun legal action to protect its rights to the name.

BBC: Legal threat tarnishes Ratner comeback

Signet is the owner of the Ratners name, and feared that a similarly named website would cause confusion in the marketplace.

BBC: Ratner loses battle for name

Once Ratners stores were the the laughing stock of the High Street.

BBC: Legal threat tarnishes Ratner comeback

"The Ratners name is owned by the Signet Group and use of that name by a competitor is bound to cause confusion in the marketplace, " Signet said on Friday.

BBC: Legal threat tarnishes Ratner comeback

Signet has attempted to gain an injunction to prevent the brand reappearing on Ratners Online, a jewellery e-tailer Mr Ratner hopes to launch in September with second ranking UK jewellers chain Goldsmiths.

BBC: Legal threat tarnishes Ratner comeback

Gerald Ratner, former head of the Ratners high street jewellery chain, has been forced to change the name of his new online venture following the threat of legal action from the UK's largest jewellery retailer Signet.

BBC: Ratner loses battle for name