Diageo sues Dutchcraft vodka over ‘imitation’
Diageo has entered into a legal battle with Dutchcraft vodka claiming the brand “deliberately” copied its Ketel One Vodka packaging.
Ketel One Vodka has accused Arcadia Imports of trademark infringementThe UK drinks giant, which has a 50% equity stake in Ketel One, filed a lawsuit against Connecticut-based Arcadia Imports, owners of Dutchcraft vodka, for allegedly “infringing and diluting the Ketel One trade dress and the brand’s iconic bottling and labeling”.
Guy L. Smith, executive vice president of Diageo North America, said last week: “Ketel One is a well-established brand and Arcadia is deliberately trying to confuse consumers by packaging their vodka in a copycat bottle with imitative labeling.
“Ketel One is taking appropriate legal action and will vigorously defend its legendary bottle and label from deceptive trade practices such as these.”
In 2008 Diageo paid US$900 million to acquire one half of Ketel One. The deal also included the formation of an exclusive marketing and distribution joint venture with the Nolet Group, the Dutch founders of Ketel One.
The Spirits Business reported in 2012 that Diageo bosses had expressed interest in the outright purchase of the premium vodka brand.
