Champagne trademark bid fizzles out in the UK

A UK company has been denied a trademark for a range of flooring products using the names ‘Caviar’ and ‘Champagne’ after opposition from the trade body that represents Champagne producers and houses.

Ball & Young, based in Corby in Northamptonshire, had applied to trademark ‘Cloud 9 Caviar and Champagne collection’ at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) but faced opposition from the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC).

During the opposition hearing, Ball & Young pointed out that Champagne is also a colour, is commonly used in such phrases including “Champagne lifestyle” and that Champagne producers should not have a monopoly over use of the name.

But the IPO’s hearing officer Allan James said Ball & Young was seeking to “take advantage” of the Champagne name, the BBC reported.

Although James said it was unlikely that anyone would be confused between sparkling wine and floor products, he said the word ‘Champagne’ is protected under EU law and that Ball & Young’s plans “would exploit the reputation” of Champagne.

Champagne is protected by strict rules that mean it can be produced only at certified vineyards and by specific methods in its home region in northern France. It has geographical indication protection in the EU.