Vampire Family Brands, LLC, a Ventura County winemaker, recognized for wine brands like Dracula, Vampire, and Fangria, is taking legal action against an Australian vintner for what it believes to be an infringement of its trademark, among other things. According to a complaint filed on August 29, 2023 in U.S….
Tag: trademark infringement
Wine Law Trademark Series Part 2: Trademark Clearance Searches
This blog article is the second in a series called “Wine Law Trademark Series” which aims to help industry members understand general trademark concepts. Why should a winery consider a trademark clearance search? Before registering a mark with the U.S.P.T.O., wineries and wine industry members should consider conducting a trademark…
The Vineyard House Files Trademark Infringement Complaint Against The Napa Vineyard House
As originally reported by the Napa Valley Register, two vineyard “houses” in Napa are currently in disagreement about the use of a similar name. See Lawsuit Claims Confusion Between 2 Napa ‘Vineyard Houses.’ Vineyard House Winery in Oakville is disputing the use of “Vineyard House” by The Napa Vineyard House. On February 1st, The…
Which Came First: The Trademark or the Viticultural Area?
Last week, San Antonio Express News reported that a California-based winery named San Antonio Winery brought a trademark suit against a San Antonio-based winery called Lara Vineyard. In its complaint, San Antonio Winery alleged that Lara Vineyard’s use of the term “San Antonio” as a fanciful name on its labels infringed upon…
Battle of the Brands: French Winery Château Lafitte Claims Triumph
As reported by Decanter, Château Lafitte claimed victory against an ongoing trademark case and can reportedly sell Bordeaux wine in China under the name Château Lafitte. See Chateau Lafitte Claims Trademark Wine in China. The dispute in China has been ongoing for about two years and has been between Château Lafitte and Château…
Seattle Winery Forced to Change Name After Cease and Desist Letter from Jackson Family Wines
Last week, Komo News reported that a Seattle-based winery, Bartholomew Winery, was forced to change the name of one of its wine brands after receiving a cease and desist letter from Jackson Family Wines. See Seattle Winery Forced to Change Name, Label After Cease-and-Desist. The wine brand, Jaxon, is reportedly named after the son of…
Hillside Select: Napa Vintner Sues Angwin Winery Over Name
Napa Valley vintner Shafer Vineyards recently filed suit against Angwin, California winery owner, Mike Beatty (doing business as Howell Mountains Vineyards) for use of the term Hillside Select on its wine. Shafer Vineyards—who according to the USPTO database registered the mark Hillside Select in January 1990—alleges Mr. Beatty used the Napa Valley vintner’s registered…
Jamieson Ranch and Pernod Ricard Reach Settlement in Trademark Lawsuit
Earlier this year, On Reserve reported about the declaratory judgment suit launched against against Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers Limited, owner of the renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey, by Napa Valley-based vineyard Madison Vineyard Holdings, LLC, the owner of Jamieson Ranch. See Jamieson Vineyards Takes On Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers. The complaint was filed in response to a cease and desist…
Introducing LabelVision: The 21st Century COLA Search
Last week, the folks at ShipCompliant officially rolled out a new service called LabelVision. To many in the wine, beer, or spirits industry, this new resource is a game changer. Instantly, we have access to over 1.5 million federally approved labels as far back as 20 years. To some, such a system may…
The Trademark Battle of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards and Pernod’s Irish Distillers
In March, Jamieson Ranch Vineyards launched a declaratory judgment suit against Pernod Richard’s Irish Distillers Limited, owner of the renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey, in response to the Ranch’s receipt of a cease and desist letter. See Jamieson Vineyards Takes On Pernod Ricard’s Irish Distillers. According to Jameson Clashes with Jamieson Over Name, the letter issued by Irish Distillers…