WHAT’S IN A NAME?

DON’T MESS with the French when it comes to wine! The Institut National et de L’Origine et de la Qualite (the French group that guards against unauthorized uses of protected place names for food and wine) is a fiercely protective unit. When they feel another company is inappropriately using a name they file oppositions in court – and fast. By far, the most common misuse of a French place name is Champagne. Over the past few years, the Institut has taken action at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to stop registrations for “Canned-Pagne”, “Glampagne” and “Champagne French Bakery Cafe”, among others. Most recently, the group went after a Vermont winemaker that wanted the mark “Champlagne” for selling various wines, including a sparkler from a vineyard near the state’s Lake Champlain. Also, the Institut has launched a separate opposition against an Oregon winemaker that had applied for “Loiregon”. The Loire Valley is another protected place name. Apparently tongue-in-cheek is an art form not appreciated by the Institut.