Purity Vodka and Absolut settle court cases

Swedish vodka brands Purity and Absolut have settled their trademark dispute in both the US and Sweden after two years of litigation.

Purity and Absolut have settled their two-year trademark battle

In November 2012, artisan brand Purity Vodka launched legal action against its larger rival Absolut, owned by Pernod Ricard, claiming the “Absolut Purity” campaign infringes its registered trademark.

Purity, an organic vodka produced at Ellinge Castle in southern Sweden, said the Absolut Purity slogan gives the impression that there is a “material connection” between The Absolut Company and Purity Vodka AB.

Absolut subsequently questioned the validity of the trademark Purity Vodka in both Sweden in the US. Absolut also challenged Purity’s claims to be “the world’s most-awarded ultra-premium vodka”.

However, both parties have now settled their court cases in both the US and Sweden, with Purity Vodka still able to use its trademark brand name and both parties freely available to use the word “purity” in their marketing campaigns.

Purity Vodka and Absolut have not yet responded to additional comment requests.