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Absolut vodka settles trademark battle

Absolut vodka has reached a settlement in its long-running battle against UK station Absolute Radio over alleged trademark infringement.

The decision brought an end to 18 months of legal proceedings between Absolute Radio’s owners, the Times of India Group, and Absolut’s owners V&S Vin & Sprit.

The terms of the arrangement are confidential but allow both companies to continue to trade under their existing names.

The feud began when the Times of India Group bought Virgin Radio two years ago and re-launched it as Absolute Radio.

The vodka brand issued a writ soon after claiming there had been an infringement of its trademark and that there was a risk of confusion between the two companies.

Both parties have expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the case and issued statements declaring it would allow them to build on their respective brand’s standing and status.

V&S spokesperson Paula Eriksson said: “I am pleased with the outcome of this matter which will enable us to continue to develop the iconic Absolut brand without risk of confusion to the public.”

Rupert Millar, 05.05.2010

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