BELVEDERE SHAKES OFF LVMH IN FAVOR OF SOMEONE NEW

As we reported yesterday, Belvedere Winery is in the market for an alternative distribution partner for its Belvedere vodka brand in the U.S. Belvedere claims it terminated its licensing agreement with LVMH’s Millennium in November 2005, but Millennium continued to sell Belvedere vodka anyways.

The U.S. District Court for Northern California ruled on April 2007 that Millennium’s continued sales of Belvedere vodka had infringed Belvedere Winery’s trademark rights.

LVMH, however, intends to appeal the decision.

A spokesperson for Moet Hennessy said:

“As you may be aware, a Federal District Court in California decided against Millennium Import, LLC in a lawsuit involving the license for the Belvedere Vodka trademark in the United States. We are disappointed by and strongly disagree with the opinion and intend to appeal.

“In view of the Court’s decision, we have suspended the further sale, marketing, distribution and fulfillment of purchase orders of Belvedere Vodka in the United States.

“It is important to note that this only applies to Belvedere Vodka in the U.S. and does not affect any other countries where we continue to actively sell the product.

“We are looking at all options in the face of this complicated legal situation.”