Pernod Ricard has issued a statement pointing to a Provincial Court of Madrid judgement claiming that Bacardi's claim to ownership of the Havana Club brand in Spain is ‘unfounded’.

Pernod Ricard said: ‘The Court ruled that Bacardi?s claims over the brand?s ownership in Spain were unfounded as the trademark had never been used by the previous owner and wasn?t renewed when itexpired. Furthermore, the Court recognised that the prestige of the Havana Club trademark resulted directly and solely from Havana Club International?s efforts and investment.
‘Bacardi?s complaints, it said, were intended only to undermine the success of a competitor who was taking market share from Bacardi.’Finally, the Court pointed out that selling a rum other than of Cuban origin under the ?Havana? name would mislead consumers.’
While Bacardi will doubtless have something to say about this statement in due course, Pernod Ricard says it welcomes this latest ruling that ‘recognises the rights of Pernod Ricard and its Cuban associates, through Havana Club Holding to the Havana Club trademark.’