The Comité Champagne (Interprofessional Committee for Champagne Wine), a trade association that represents the interests of independent Champagne producers and Champagne Houses in France, has warned Apple not to release the new iPhone 5S or 5C in a ‘Champagne’ colour. While talking to local daily L’Union l’Ardennais, the legal director of the trade association said “Champagne doesn’t have one single colour”. (via iDB)
The Committee also sent a tweet earlier this week saying that “Champagne” is neither a colour, nor anything else than the name of wines from Champagne. They say that in order to stay informed about abuses, they use some classic tools like brand and domain name monitoring, as well as internet alerts.
“So we can’t say that a ‘champagne’ colour exists. Therefore, any company wanting to use the name ‘Champagne’ would be doing so [only] to attract all the benefits that surround [the label.]”
The CIVC (Interprofessional Committee for Champagne Wine) has made clear its intention to challenge Apple if it dares to invoke the iconic French brand. Apple should consider themselves forewarned. The CIVC, which is responsible for protecting the use of the term ‘Champagne,’ has a winning record in preventing a variety of companies and products from attempting to co-opt the label, as Goamaere warned on Tuesday.
In the past, the CIVC has successfully barred the use of ‘Champagne’ in toothpastes, mineral water for pets, toilet paper, underwear and shoes.
