WHAT’S IN A MONDAVI NAME?
The L.A. Times reported today that Michael Mondavi is eager to use the family name on his new premium wine, but legal issues and family squabbles stand in his way.
After announcing his deal to acquire Carneros Creek Winery in Napa, Michael is reportedly seeking the right to include the Mondavi name on his new brands – including a high-end Cabernet Sauvignon set to retail for $150 a bottle. However, two factors stand in his way. Constellation now owns the rights to the name after buying out Robert Mondavi Corp., and his uncle Peter owns the rights to make wine under the CK Mondavi Family Vineyards label.
Despite past goodwill, Constellation seems unlikely to fold. According to the article, Constellation said in a statement: "To Constellation Brands, the Robert Mondavi trademark is a valued and important asset, and we will protect that asset from anything which could result in marketplace confusion to the consumer."
If Constellation refuses to relinquish, Michael will have to come up with another name that doesn’t include his famous family’s.
After announcing his deal to acquire Carneros Creek Winery in Napa, Michael is reportedly seeking the right to include the Mondavi name on his new brands – including a high-end Cabernet Sauvignon set to retail for $150 a bottle. However, two factors stand in his way. Constellation now owns the rights to the name after buying out Robert Mondavi Corp., and his uncle Peter owns the rights to make wine under the CK Mondavi Family Vineyards label.
Despite past goodwill, Constellation seems unlikely to fold. According to the article, Constellation said in a statement: "To Constellation Brands, the Robert Mondavi trademark is a valued and important asset, and we will protect that asset from anything which could result in marketplace confusion to the consumer."
If Constellation refuses to relinquish, Michael will have to come up with another name that doesn’t include his famous family’s.
posted at 1:27 PM
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