Captain Morgan blows rival rum out of the water

As a brand grows, so does the likelihood of copycats looking to make some money through association.

It is in the best interests of a well-known brand to get rid of these copycats as soon as possible as they can have detrimental effects on the brand’s reputation. It may be the business is selling goods of inferior quality or is acting in a way in which you don’t want associated with your brand.

The more you tolerate a copycat, the less protection you have for your own business identity and brand.

A brand that has taken this advice and has taken action against a copycat is, Captain Morgan.

Captain Morgan is an alcohol brand who manufacture their well-known rums.

They have taken action against Admiral Nelson Rum who have produced a product which looks similar to the bottle and label of Captain Morgan’s rum.

Both products display a character based on a seaman, both display this character in the middle of their label in a standing position and both clearly state the product is spiced rum.

Captain Morgan made a claim in the Canadian Federal Court stating that this use by Admiral Nelson is an infringement of their trade mark.

The Court agreed and stated that all of Admiral Nelson’s products infringed Captain Morgan’s trade marks and their trade dress which would include the whole appearance of the product.

For more information on how to protect your brand, contact The Trademarkroom team today.

By Ellis Sweetenham