Date£º
2014-02-18 12:02 Source£º
thedrinksbusiness Author:
Lauren May Translator:
A long-running battle between renowned producer Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Cotes de Bordeaux producer Chateau Lafitte over the trademarking of the Lafitte name has spread to China.
Chateau Lafitte in Bordeaux
Chateau Lafitte has been producing wine under its Lafitte name since 1763, but have been locked in a legal battle with Chateau Lafite Rothschild over the use of the Lafitte name for the last 10 years.
In 2003 Chateau Lafite Rothschild took the smaller producer to court arguing in the French courts that they should not be allowed to use the name Lafitte.
However in 2008 France's highest appeals courts ruled in Chsteau Lafitte's favour confirming their right to use the Lafitte name while depriving Chateau Lafite Rothschild of the right to use the name in isolation.
In a continuing battle, Chsteau Lafite Rothschild is now contesting an attempt by Chateau Lafitte to Trademark the Lafitte name in China.
Philippe Mengin, owner of Chateau Lafitte
Philippe Mengin, owner of Chateau Lafitte, said: "We are well aware that we have neither the networks nor the financial situation of our long-standing accuser, but we hope that by publicising the case as much as possible, they will at last agree to abide by common sense and submit to the court rulings that have once and for all recognised that our rights to Chateau Lafitte are older and superior to those of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
"Just because we are less economically powerful does not mean that our rights should not be recognised."
A spokesperson for Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owner of Lafite, said in a statement: "As one of the most recognised brand names in China, this is part of an ongoing battle to control the unauthorised use of our name in various global markets."
The name Lafite comes from an old French term "la fite"-meaning "small hill".