The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey can now officially enter the Australian market, after the High Court in Australia ruled that Campari, the international beverage group which owns Wild Turkey, cannot use the ‘Wild Geese’ trademark on its products in Australia. The verdict was reached today (6 December) when the court rejected Wild Turkey’s appeal of the previous landmark victory of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey.
Campari sought to secure the ‘Wild Geese’ trademark in Australia as a non-use mark to prevent The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey from trading within the lucrative Irish whiskey market.
Commenting on the decision, Ándre Levy, co-founder and Chairman of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey stated: “We are delighted that the High Court has effectively endorsed the original unanimous decision that grants us the basic right as a business to use our name. This is just one part of a larger battle that we have been engaged in for the past 14 years that has included over 50 actions across several geographies.”
The ongoing dispute relates to a case which was initiated by Pernod Ricard in 2002 and then taken up by Campari when they acquired Wild Turkey.
Levy added: “Originally initiated by Pernod Ricard, these actions have sought to limit the growth of an independent and competitive brand, thus stifling growth in the global Irish whiskey market. The consequences of these actions have been far reaching, to the extent that to ensure our continued growth and success, we have been forced to buy Irish whiskey at a premium from third parties who have been able to access whiskey that we are unable to purchase directly from large producers.”
Earlier this year, the five presiding judges of the Australian court unanimously found for The Wild Geese and awarded indemnity costs.
Campari is a major player in the global branded beverage industry with a portfolio of in excess of 50 premium brands.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
