LEX VINI

European Court of Justice Recognizes Superiority of Cognac Geographical Indication

On July 14, 2011, Bastille Day, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) recognized the superiority of the geographical indication (GI) “COGNAC” for spirits in Finland over a trademark application encompassing the term “KONJAKKI” for a generic reference to brandy not meeting the standard for the use of “COGNAC” as set forth by the Bureau National […]

California ABC Announces On-Sale Liquor Licenses for Napa County

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced authorization for the issuance of five (5) original on-sale general liquor licenses for bona fide public eating places in Napa County, as authorized in Section 23826.10 of the Business & Professions Code. These licenses are to be issued only to premises having a seating capacity for […]

"SKINNY" Brands are Where It’s At

In our monthly review of trademark applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it appears the latest trend in alcohol beverage products is “SKINNY” brands.  In the month of May 2011, there were six different trademark applications filed for marks for alcohol beverage products encompassing the term “SKINNY.”  These included the marks SKINNILICIOUS […]