Spirits vs. Spikes: Why a Long Island Distillery is Battling LIV Golf Over Three Letters
A New York craft distillery is taking on the Saudi-backed golf giant in a trademark showdown that could redefine brand protection for small food and beverage makers.
By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Wine Spirits
Key points
- Long Island Spirits, creators of LiV Vodka, allege that LIV Golf’s branding causes 'reverse confusion' that harms their established craft brand.
- A magistrate judge found the distillery likely to succeed on infringement claims but controversially suggested the golf tour could continue using the mark.
- The case highlights the massive risk for small F&B brands when global entities with billion-dollar budgets enter the same naming space.
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