This blog article is the first in a series called “Wine Law Trademark Series” which aims to help industry members understand general trademark concepts. Wineries often look to common law to protect their marks and intellectual property. This can be a feasible solution if the winery remains small and if…
On Reserve Author Named One of Lawline’s Top 20 Women Faculty of 2016
Lindsey A. Zahn, author of On Reserve, was recently named to Lawline’s Top 20 Women Faculty of 2016 for a course called “Introduction to Wine Law.” In selecting the top 20, Lawline “focused on the top-rated, most viewed and thoughtfully reviewed 2016 courses taught by a woman.” From Lawline directly: Lindsey’s…
2017 Wine & Law Program at the University of Reims in Champagne, France
This year, the University of Reims’ Wine & Law Program is in its seventh session and will discuss topics related to wine law and intellectual property rights in the wine sector. The Program is a 10-day intensive course program in English from June 19, 2017 through June 28, 2017 at…
Massachusetts Announces Alcohol Beverage Task Force
Last month, Massachusetts announced the creation of the Treasurer’s Alcohol Task Force, which will create an independent group of professionals to review the state’s legal and regulatory framework of alcohol beverages. See Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Announces Alcohol Task Force. The Task Force will generate an assessment of the current climate…
Building Your Practice Through Blogging and Podcasting
Join us June 21st at 1:00 PM ET to 2:00 PM ET for a free webinar on Building Your Practice Through Blogging and Pocasting, courtesy of the ABA Women Rainmakers Division. I will be speaking with Nicole Abboud, Esq., who is the owner of Abboud Media and a podcaster, lawyer,…
Contemporary Wine Law Issues
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TTB Issues Temporary Rule Modifying Federal Regulations for Hard Cider
On January 23, 2017, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued a temporary rule (T.D. TTB–147) in the Federal Register that amends the federal regulations for hard cider. The temporary rule amends TTB regulations to implement changes made to the federal definition of “hard cider” in the Internal…
The Vineyard House Files Trademark Infringement Complaint Against The Napa Vineyard House
As originally reported by the Napa Valley Register, two vineyard “houses” in Napa are currently in disagreement about the use of a similar name. See Lawsuit Claims Confusion Between 2 Napa ‘Vineyard Houses.’ Vineyard House Winery in Oakville is disputing the use of “Vineyard House” by The Napa Vineyard House. On February 1st, The…
On Reserve Author to Teach at University of Reims’ 2017 Wine & Law Program
This summer, I will return to the University of Reims to teach another course on wine law at the Wine & Law Program. This year, the Program is in its seventh session and will discuss topics related to trademark law and geographical indications for spirits. The course will focus on topics including introduction to wine marketing, the…
Must-Visit Piemonte Wineries: Rizieri and Ceretto
Last fall, I traveled to several wine regions in Italy on vacation. I spent some time in the gorgeous Piemonte region, which is home to one of my favorite wines (Barolo). The trip was well planned, as the harvest was timely this year, the quintessential Nebbiolo grapes were at their…
Is There a Likelihood of Confusion Between RAM HORN and RAM’s GATE
Ram’s Gate Winery, LLC (opposer) filed a notice of opposition against application Serial No. 862692961 before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. (The application was filed by Opal Moon Winery, LLC on May 1, 2014 and sought registration on the Principal Register based on applicant’s intent to use the mark in…