dwp eNewsletter
Vol 2 : Ed 6 - November 2008
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| in short |
| absolut lawsuit |
Vin
and Spirit (V&S), owners of the premier Swedish Vodka brand Absolut
vodka, are suing Virgin Radio for a copyright infringement said to have
arisen from the renaming of one of Virgin’s radio stations as “Absolute
Radio”.
V&S claim that the use of the name “absolute” creates the risk of
confusion by Absolute Radio “passing off” its services as those of
Absolut's.
V&S are thus seeking the revocation of the current radio station’s name by Absolute Radio International, which was registered in 2003.
Absolut’s case is somewhat strengthened as their promotional activities have extended into areas other than just the selling of vodka. The brand is extensively merchandised and since 2005 Absolut Tracks has been a registered trademark in the UK for entertainment and communication services, including broadcasting programs on a global computer network. This increases the likelihood that a court may decide that market confusion between the trademarks could exist. Absolut’s claim thus encompasses the potential of passing off as well as a trademark infringement.
With this in mind we will keep you duly updated, however it is safe to say that even if no legal battle ensues from the said infringement Absolut are still successfully keeping themselves in the lime light!
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