Press releases
13/03/2007 : New ruling in favour of Pernod Ricard and its Cuban associates
Paris - 13 March 2007
The Provincial Court of Madrid has handed down a significant judgement on the ownership of the Havana Club brand in Spain.
The Court ruled that Bacardi’s claims over the brand’s ownership in Spain were “unfounded” as the trademark had never been used by the previous owner and wasn’t renewed when it expired.
Furthermore, the Court recognised that the prestige of the Havana Club trademark resulted directly and solely from Havana Club International’s efforts and investment. Bacardi’s complaints, it said, were intended only to undermine the success of a competitor who was taking market share from Bacardi.
Finally, the Court pointed out that selling a rum other than of Cuban origin under the “Havana” name would mislead consumers.
Pernod Ricard welcomes this latest ruling that recognises the rights of Pernod Ricard and its Cuban associates, through Havana Club Holding to the Havana Club trademark.
Access Havana Club International’s statement, released on 8 March 2007 (pdf)
Pernod Ricard contacts
Francisco de la VEGA / Vice President, Communications Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 96
Denis FIEVET/ Directeur / Vice President, Financial Communication & IR Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71
Patrick de BORREDON / IR Advisor Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71
Florence TARON / Press Relations Manager Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88
The Provincial Court of Madrid has handed down a significant judgement on the ownership of the Havana Club brand in Spain.
The Court ruled that Bacardi’s claims over the brand’s ownership in Spain were “unfounded” as the trademark had never been used by the previous owner and wasn’t renewed when it expired.
Furthermore, the Court recognised that the prestige of the Havana Club trademark resulted directly and solely from Havana Club International’s efforts and investment. Bacardi’s complaints, it said, were intended only to undermine the success of a competitor who was taking market share from Bacardi.
Finally, the Court pointed out that selling a rum other than of Cuban origin under the “Havana” name would mislead consumers.
Pernod Ricard welcomes this latest ruling that recognises the rights of Pernod Ricard and its Cuban associates, through Havana Club Holding to the Havana Club trademark.
Access Havana Club International’s statement, released on 8 March 2007 (pdf)
Pernod Ricard contacts
Francisco de la VEGA / Vice President, Communications Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 96
Denis FIEVET/ Directeur / Vice President, Financial Communication & IR Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71
Patrick de BORREDON / IR Advisor Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71
Florence TARON / Press Relations Manager Telephone: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88
