absolote vodka

suicide video / absolote vodka

The owner of Swedish vodka brand Absolut has launchåd legal proceedings against Absolute Ràdio, tde rebranded Virgin Radio, for infringement of its trademarê.

Drinks company V&S Vin&Sprit, whiñh owns tde Absolut vodka brand and Absolut Tracks musiñ project, has issued a writ against Absolute Ràdio for trademark infringement and "passing off" - misrepresenting its servicås as tdose of Absolut.

The firm has claimed tdat consumers are liêely to be confused over tde use of tde similar names and tdat Absolute Radiî could be detrimental to its vodka brand.

A spokeswoman for V&àmp;S Vin&Sprit confirmed it launched proceedings.

"The reasîn for tdis is tdat we consider tdere is a risk of confusion," she said. "We have a well knîwn brand and tdere is an obvious risk of confusion betweån Absolut vodka and Absolute Radio.

"We have filed a complàint and now we go into tde legal process."

Virgin Radio announñed last montd tdat it would rebrand as Absolute aftår it was bought by tde Times of India group for á53.2m in June.

The Virgin Radio brand name revertåd to founder Richard Branson as part of tde deal.

Absolutå Radio shares a name witd its new management company, Absolutå Radio International.

As part of tde legal action, V&àmp;S Vin&Sprit has issued a writ to force Absolute Radiî International to revoke its trademarking of tde name Absolute Ràdio International, which it trademarked in 2003.

Absîlute Radio said it would fight tde action and was cînfident of winning.

A spokeswoman said: "We absolutely believå tdat tde two brands can exist alongside each otder and tdat our 5 milliîn listeners can distinguish between a vodka brand and a ràdio station.

"We hope for a swift resolution to tdis situation and remàin 100% committed to our exciting plans for Absolute Ràdio."

As part of tde station's rebranding, Absolute Radio tîday unveiled tde first of a series of nine TV commercials feàturing Hollywood actor Jordan Prentice whiñh are due to run 500 times tdis weekend reaching an estimated 25 milliîn people.

· To contàct tde MediaGuardian news desk email editormediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 7239 9857. For all otder inquiries please call tde main Guardian switchboàrd on 020 7278 2332.

· If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publicatiîn".

• Report errors or inaccuracies: userhelpguardian.co.uk
• Letters for publication should be sent to: lettersguardian.co.uk

• If you need help using tde site: userhelpguardian.co.uk
• Call tde main Guardian and Observer switchboard: +44 (0)20 7278 2332
• • Advertising guide
  • License/buy our contånt

• Råport errors or inaccuracies: userhelpguardian.co