Intellectual Property & Complex Litigation | Chilivis Grubman, LLP - Chicago | Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
I have a blog post on this case coming out next week. *Edit: Please check out my article on the Chilivis Grubman blog: https://lnkd.in/g7avGubY #trademarklaw #trademarks
A judge has ruled in favor of Casa Azul, the tequila company founded by beverage innovator Lance Collins, in a trademark trial against long standing tequila brand Clase Azul. https://lnkd.in/gc6vCn-F
Additive-free tequila brands have a clear, competitive advantage, but they are being blocked from advertising their additive free status by their own regulator. Why is this happening? This story gives a great overview. #tequila #additivefree
The NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) is more than just a code—it’s the hallmark of quality and authenticity in #tequila production. For those investing in tequila casks, the NOM is crucial. It guarantees that the tequila is crafted under the strictest regulations set by the Conselo Regulador de Tequila (CRT), ensuring your #investment is in a product of global recognition and value. Visit gordonpwc.com/blog to learn more about these regulations in our latest articles. #PortfolioDiversification
Recently, my friend went to the liquor store to buy another friend a very nice (and expensive) bottle of Clase Azul tequila for his birthday. My friend doesn’t speak much English, so he confidently walked up to the counter and, with his best attempt, asked for "Clase Azul." But his Spanish isn’t the best, and the clerk handed him a bottle of Casa Azul instead. When my friend noticed the bottle was half the price, he was surprised and mentioned it to me. That’s when I realized: this is consumer confusion in action! I then looked into it and found out that Clase Azul recently lost a trademark battle against Casa Azul, backed by Travis Kelce, despite their similar names. Here’s the quick breakdown of the case: Casa Azul has had a registered trademark for wine since May 2008 and has been selling alcoholic beverages since 2007. Clase Azul entered the market with alcoholic beverages in 2003 and did not get their registration until March 2008. While Casa Azul didn’t file for a trademark specifically for alcoholic beverages until 2018 (which Clase Azul did NOT contest), the two brands have coexisted for 17 years without significant issues. In a recent lawsuit, Clase Azul claimed that Casa Azul’s name caused confusion among consumers. However, the court ruled in favor of Casa Azul, finding no significant consumer confusion, citing differences in price, packaging, the products target different audiences, and that one tequila uses additives while the other is organic. Summary: The judge said there was no consumer confusion, but based on my friend's experience, I think he’d make a great star witness for Clase Azul! Have you ever had a mixup like this while shopping? #TrademarkLaw #IntellectualProperty #TravisKelce #ClaseAzul #StartupLaw #TrademarkDispute #TrademarkAttorney #ProtectYourBrand
🌍 The vodka market is evolving! According to the 2024 WSA Economic Contribution Report, despite a slight decline in volume, value sales are growing, driven by premiumisation. Consumers are trading up to higher-quality spirits, positioning vodka for success in the coming years. Let’s raise a toast to our European-crafted Tovaritch! vodka premium! 🥂 #Vodka #SpiritsIndustry #Premiumisation #TovaritchVodka
Mastering the Campari Soda https://lnkd.in/eXRqhHT7
Craft Spirits Marketing Expert pioneering the transformation of the alcohol industry through innovative digital strategies and dynamic field marketing approaches.
How might these regulatory changes affect your brand strategy? Are you prepared to navigate potential cost increases while maintaining brand integrity? #tequila #craftspirits #tequilaregulations https://lnkd.in/gGNWBpuS
Are Craft Spirits Brands Prepared for Rising Costs in Tequila Production? Recent developments in the tequila industry could significantly impact not only consumers but also the strategies of craft spirits brands. The crackdown on the founders of Tequila Matchmaker, known for their advocacy for transparency and additive-free certification, signals a potential increase in regulatory measures. If the Mexican government decides to impose fees for additive-free labels, these costs will inevitably affect production expenses and could lead to higher prices for consumers. This situation poses a challenge for craft spirits brands: balancing the desire to maintain transparency and quality with potential increases in production costs. In my opinion, while these changes might increase costs, they also offer an opportunity for craft spirits brands to strengthen their commitment to quality and transparency, potentially justifying the premium prices to consumers who value purity in their tequila. 🤔 How might these regulatory changes affect your brand strategy? Are you prepared to navigate potential cost increases while maintaining brand integrity? #TequilaRegulation #CraftSpirits #ConsumerRights
Do you want to learn about tequila then do this course for free which is designed to teach and test participants on a comprehensive understanding of tequila as a spirit category, the tequila industry at large, and the role Patrón continues to play as a category leader https://lnkd.in/dX7grPke
According to a recent feature article in Shanken News Daily, “Tequila’s Top Players See More Runway Ahead,” CUERVO continues to dominate as the number one U.S. tequila brand by volume, with an impressive 5 million cases sold in 2023! Under the leadership of CEO Juan Domingo Beckmann, we're seeing remarkable growth driven by our premium CUERVO TRADICIONAL® tier, which introduced a new Cristalino extension at an accessible $35 price point. Our commitment to quality and innovation is evident as our premium Tequilas outperform the overall market, reflecting strong demand in North America. Additionally, We are proud to highlight 1800 Tequila's noteworthy performance, securing its spot in the top 5 U.S. tequila brands with 2.1 million cases delivered last year. Exciting times ahead as we continue to lead and innovate in the dynamic tequila industry! #Cuervo #1800 #PremiumSpirit #Innovation ©2024 Proximo, Jersey City, NJ. Please drink responsibly. Felix Palau, Jason Sorley, Yonathan Bendesky, Jaime Fabricant, Kelsey Henry, Lia Dionisio, Joseph Guagenti, Aliya Elshami, Marta Álvarez Pascual M. Shanken Communications, Inc., & Cjelski. (2024, January 23). Tequila’s top players see more runway ahead. Shanken News Daily. Read more here:
Are Craft Spirits Brands Prepared for Rising Costs in Tequila Production? Recent developments in the tequila industry could significantly impact not only consumers but also the strategies of craft spirits brands. The crackdown on the founders of Tequila Matchmaker, known for their advocacy for transparency and additive-free certification, signals a potential increase in regulatory measures. If the Mexican government decides to impose fees for additive-free labels, these costs will inevitably affect production expenses and could lead to higher prices for consumers. This situation poses a challenge for craft spirits brands: balancing the desire to maintain transparency and quality with potential increases in production costs. In my opinion, while these changes might increase costs, they also offer an opportunity for craft spirits brands to strengthen their commitment to quality and transparency, potentially justifying the premium prices to consumers who value purity in their tequila. 🤔 How might these regulatory changes affect your brand strategy? Are you prepared to navigate potential cost increases while maintaining brand integrity? #TequilaRegulation #CraftSpirits #ConsumerRights
Interesting Whisky fact of the day! 🏴 Did you know that in 2009, the Scottish Whisky Regulations were introduced to regulate the production, labelling, packaging, and advertising of Scotch Whisky? These regulations defined what qualifies as Scotch Whisky, which includes being matured in an oak cask in Scotland for a minimum of three years, having a minimum alcohol strength of 40%, and containing no added ingredients except water and plain caramel colouring. This interesting fact highlights the importance of these regulations in maintaining the authenticity and quality of Scotch Whisky. 👍 #WhiskyFacts #ScottishWhisky #WhiskyRegulations #WhiskyLabeling https://ow.ly/JjOS50Rb4Vl