The legal dispute between Red Bull and a young winemaker in Sardinia over the two-bull logo has ended with a victory for the Italian winemaker. A committee of the Italian Ministry of Industry has rejected the Salzburg energy drink giant’s objection to the logo’s registration with the Italian Patent Office. This means that 23-year-old Mattia Muggittu can continue to use his winery’s brand.
The logo that the Sardinian company registered with the patent office shows two oxen next to each other, under a red plow. The young owner of the winery resisted Red Bull’s request to abandon the logo, which the Salzburg group said was too similar to the company’s. “Today David won against Goliath,” said the winemaker, commenting on his victory over Red Bull, which had accused him of “disloyal competition”.
“I am happy with the decision”
“I am happy with this decision, which has proven us right. The logo is an expression of our history, as we said from the beginning,” said Mattia Muggittu. He was flooded with congratulations, including from Austrian citizens who supported him in his fight.
“Symbol for our wine growing”
“This decision is a victory for Mattia and all of Sardinia and not only that. It is a resounding victory of the thousand-year-old traditions of Sardinia against the arrogance of economic power,” said the winery’s lawyer, Mauro Intagliata. “We have absolutely not imitated the Red Bull logo. Our wine etiquette pays tribute to the wine traditions of Mamoiada (in the Sardinian province of Nuoro). You don’t see bulls on it, but oxen, which symbolize our viticulture. Because we still plow with oxen,” emphasizes Muggittu, who is also an oenology student.
Not the first lawsuit
In his fight against Red Bull, he has received a lot of solidarity, including from the Italian farmers’ association Coldiretti. Red Bull is no stranger to such lawsuits: in October 2022, the company lost its lawsuit against Bullards, a British gin company. The British Intellectual Property Authority has rejected the Austrian drinks company’s request.
Bullards, which has around 10 employees, must refrain from selling a range of goods and services, including events, energy drinks and soft drinks, due to the risk of confusion.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
