Coke slaps rum upstart for using its trademark

Coke slaps rum upstart for using its trademark

A Kiwi Rum company is in trouble for using soft drinks giant Coca-Cola's prized trademark name. A small liquor company going by the name Stolen Rum was recently made aware that they had breached drinks giant Coca Cola’s trademark ‘Coke’ in their new drink ‘Smoke and Coke’. Kyle Milne (Stolen Rums Chief Financial Officer) said Stolen Rum quickly removed reference to the Smoke and Coke name after being quietly made aware by cokes local distributer. The drink is now referred to by the less memorable name Smoke and Cola.

"Over time a brand can become diluted and lose value if too many 'low level' infringements are left unchallenged."

Emerging brands often tried to piggyback off more established ones - and are usually stomped on swiftly. "Coca-Cola is very aggressive in how it protects its brands and its trademarks. You can appreciate why as so much of its business rides on its brand said a Coca Cola spokesperson.

Ethan Tuner

Yr 11 pupil at Thornden School Southampton