Alcohol companies to change labels to meet Russian law

Alcohol companies to change labels to meet Russian law

After Russian lawmakers adopted a law stipulating that the word 'champagne' can only be applied to sparkling wine produced in Russia, the champagne industry has been left disappointed.

Champagne
Pixabay

The words "sparkling wine" will temporarily be on Moet bottles and any other champagne bottles supplied to Russia in order to respect the new law that states that every other champagne cannot use this term.

That sounds a bit absurd - but it is definitely happening. The law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday requires all foreign producers of sparkling wine to describe their product as such on the back of the bottle - though not on the front - while makers of Russian products hold onto the 'champagne' term. 

READ MORE: Champagne Valley: Where the pinnacle of heritage and adventure collide

The French champagne industry group has since then called for its members to halt all shipments to Russia for the time being. 

They shared that the name "champagne", which refers to the region in France where the drink comes from, had legal protection in 120 countries.

Why are they hoarding the name? Do they need to get it trademarked at this point? 

READ MORE: What to save: The baby or glass of champagne?

This could easily be a case of the Kardashian clan's trademarked names. They have trademarked a couple of names but we can let theirs slide because it is for their business brands. Kim Kardashian alone has filed 149 applications to own certain names or words. 

Among these words are Chicago West,  Dashing by Kim Kardashian, Glam Bible, Kardashian Kollection, and Kurves Kimoji.

READ MORE: SA's rooibos tea joins champagne on EU protection list

So should the French now hasten and file a trademark licence for the word 'champagne' in order to successfully achieve sales in Russia? 

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Main Image Courtesy: Pixabay

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