January 13, 2014 article on Global Times noting that trademark applications in China increased by 14% in 2013 and that China is ranked No. 1 in the world for the number of trademark applications submitted for trademark registration, at 13.24 million.
Duck Duels
January 10, 2014 article in the Press Democrat on the lawsuit between Duckhorn and Duck Dynasty wines. "Plenty of wine companies have registered trademarks for names that include the word “duck” . . . [b]ut that doesn’t always stop companies from trying to protect their trademarks, which often are more valuable than the rest of a winery’s assets combined."
Mergers & Acquisitions in the wine industry on the rise
December 9, 2013 North Bay Business Journal article on the increase in mergers and acquisitions in the wine industry in 2013, noting that "the U.S. overtook France in 2011 to become the top wine-consuming country in the world" and "confidence in premium U.S. wine assets is on the rise."
Hong Kong wine market thriving
November 7, 2013 article highlighting the growth in the Hong Kong wine market, noting that "[t]he elimination of wine duty has helped Hong Kong become a major wine trading and distribution centre in Asia. And for those with deep pockets, Hong Kong has emerged as the largest wine auction centre in the world."
French brand hijacked in China and it is forced to pay $5.4m for using its own mark
October 29, 2013 article on Wine Law blog regarding Castel Freres infringement lawsuit against a Chinese company's use of its Kasite brand. The Chinese court awarded the hijacker over 5 million dollars and forced Castel Frerers to issue a public apology.
Faking California wines is growing in China
August 2013 article in Wines & Vines regarding the growing issue of counterfeit wines and misleading labels in China. "It may only be a matter of time before we see Opus Won or Screaming Beagle."
French winery changes name to bypass Chinese trademark 'squatters'
September 26th article in Decanter.com on another French winery blocked from China due to a trademark hijacker, the term for those who procure trademark registrations in the names of popular brands anticipating entry into China.
Heineken Faces Trademark Battle in China
September 27, 2013 article in the Financial Times regarding the hijacking of Heinekan's trademark and logo by a Chinese sewing machine company.
Helpful Links
- The United States Patent and Trademark Office federal registry.
- The TTB COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) database.
- The International Trademark Association for trademark owners and professionals.
- The California Wine Institute for information on the wine industry
- List of Madrid Protocol members