According to European intellectual property office records, Victoria Beckham registered The Harper Beckham trademark in February.

The trademark covers products including toys, make-up and clothes, as well as use in the entertainment industry.

Oliver Bray, partner at international law firm RPC, told the Daily Mail that the move was “savvy” and good “future-proofing”.

He added: “It may be a sign of the times with social media and the whole way in which celebrities are exploited.”

Brand expert Nigel Currie added: “Obviously the Beckham name is worth something and they don’t want someone trading off it and using it to create their own brand.”