“Bacardi USA Inc applauds the US Court of Appeals for confirming that the Cuban government had no `vested right’ to the renewal of the Havana Club trademark registration in the US, and that the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) acted lawfully in denying Cubaexport a licence for the renewal,” she said. “The effect of the Court of Appeals’ decision is that the Cuban government’s registration is expired and cancelled. The US courts have also consistently ruled that the Cuban-French venture Havana Club Holding has no rights to the Havana Club trademark in the US.
“With this ruling, the US reaffirms the traditional principle that confiscation of trademarks in one country has no effect on another. Cuban confiscation of trademarks without compensation to the original owners doesn’t extend to US trademarks.
“We’re thrilled with the decision of the US Court of Appeals. As we have maintained all along, Bacardi is the legitimate owner of the brand.”
Source: Bacardi USA Inc
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