Ian Burrell Confirms Equiano Rum Is “No Longer Black-Owned” After Trademark Dispute

Global rum ambassador Ian Burrell confirmed on Instagram (September 1, 2025) that he no longer has involvement with Equiano Rum after a trademark dispute with a co-director. Burrell, who co-founded the brand in 2019, explained that this development means the rum is “no longer Black-owned,” according to The Drinks Business.

Although Burrell remains a shareholder of Equiano Limited, he revealed that “the corresponding trademark was never registered in the company’s name but was purportedly registered by a company controlled by another founding director & shareholder.” He added: “Therefore, I can no longer continue to represent the @equianorum brand and I have retained counsel in the matter.”

Burrell described the situation as “incredibly difficult and disappointing,” but emphasized that his passion for rum as “history, culture, community and a way of life” remains unchanged.

From Building Equiano Rum to Stepping Away

Burrell launched Equiano Rum in 2019 with Aaisha Dadral, Amanda Kakembo, and Oli Bartlam. The goal was to create a premium blend that bridged Africa and the Caribbean, inspired by the story of Olaudah Equiano—an African abolitionist and entrepreneur who purchased his freedom by trading rum.

As Burrell told The Drinks Business in May 2024, the brand’s “Legacy Blend Series” began with Ominira, a rare vintage crafted from rums distilled by Foursquare in Barbados and Gray’s Distillery in Mauritius, under the guidance of master blender Richard Seale. The release included only 3,000 bottles, priced at £180 through Equiano’s website and Harvey Nichols.

At that time, Burrell explained, “The goal was to show that rum can look and feel as elegant as any other super premium spirit and to dispel the clichéd imagery of pirates, palm trees and plantations.”

A Wider Mission for Rum’s Future

Beyond his work with Equiano Rum, Burrell has consistently advocated for clearer classification of rum based on geography. In June 2025, The Spirits Business reported his argument that geographical indications (GIs) not only strengthen brands but also protect heritage for rum-producing nations such as Barbados and Jamaica.

“The geography of any spirit can play a major part to not only the flavor of it, but its authenticity as well,” Burrell said. He encouraged producers to “own your value, as opposed to the value being created [by] somebody else.”

What’s Next for Burrell

While his time with Equiano Rum has ended, Burrell continues to champion rum as a category rooted in heritage, innovation, and authenticity. His departure highlights not only the challenges of brand ownership but also the ongoing efforts to elevate rum’s global reputation.

The Drinks Business reached out to Equiano Limited for further comment on the situation.

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Source of Information

The Drinks Business Article — Ian Burrell: Equiano Rum ‘no longer black-owned’ after trademark dispute, written by James Bayley

The image of the article is courtesy of ©samvanhoutte via Canva.com