News

US Blocks Cuban Trademark for Havana Club Amid Long-Standing Dispute

Published by
Maythe Monoche

A recently signed US law has escalated tensions over the Havana Club trademark, settling a decades-long battle between Bacardi and Pernod Ricard.

New Law Targets Seized Trademarks in Cuba

On December 1, 2023, President Joe Biden signed the ‘No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act of 2023’ into law. This legislation prevents US courts and agencies from recognizing trademarks confiscated by the Cuban government during Fidel Castro’s communist revolution.

Bacardi’s Battle for Havana Club

Bacardi, which holds the US rights to the Havana Club brand, claims that the Cuban government illegally seized the trademark and other assets from José Arechabala SA in 1960. After Bacardi was expelled from Cuba, it moved production to Puerto Rico and began selling Havana Club rum in the US in 1995.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government transferred the original Havana Club brand to Cubaexport, a state-run entity, which partnered with Pernod Ricard to distribute the rum globally.

Although neither company is named in the legislation, Bacardi and Pernod Ricard have clashed over trademark rights for years, fueled by the US embargo on Cuban goods.

Cuba’s Reaction to the Law

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, condemned the legislation, calling it an aggressive move against Cuba. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he claimed the law violated international regulations and opened the door to stealing legally registered Cuban trademarks.

The Trademark Debate Continues

Cubaexport registered the Havana Club trademark in the US in 1976, and its rights remain valid until 2026. According to The Spirits Business, Pernod Ricard, along with Cubaexport, has expressed disappointment with the new law. A joint statement emphasized that the legislation does not revoke their current trademark rights, and the entities are exploring ways to protect their claims.

Pernod Ricard also highlighted that Havana Club rum, made in Cuba, remains an authentic Cuban product distributed in over 125 countries.

Bacardi Welcomes the Decision

Bacardi praised the legislation, stating it strengthens US laws against entities profiting from confiscated trademarks. A spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the move, emphasizing its alignment with Bacardi’s stance on protecting intellectual property rights.

The Future of Havana Club in the US

The Havana Club trademark saga is far from over. With rights expiring in 2026, Bacardi and Pernod Ricard appear determined to safeguard their positions in this ongoing legal and geopolitical battle.

Elevate your rum knowledge—subscribe now for monthly highlights and rare finds.

Source of information

The Spirits Business’ Article: US blocks Cuban trademark for Havana Club by Ted Simmons
The image of the article is courtesy of © David Dibert via Canva.com

Maythe Monoche

Recent Posts

  • News

Australian Women in Rum Industry: Pioneering Change with Every Pour

In a recent feature by Forbes Australia, we discovered the inspiring stories of Australian women…

April 24, 2025
  • Noticias

Madrid se convierte en la capital del ron y la ginebra con Spain Rum & Gin Expo 2025

Durante los días 8 y 9 de mayo, Madrid celebrará Spain Rum & Gin Expo…

April 23, 2025
  • infographics

Rum Knowledge Infographic of the week: PLANTERAY Mister Fogg Navy Rum

Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum is a tribute to the legacy of Navy Rum with…

April 22, 2025
  • News

Tortuga Rum Fair Weather Foundation Partnership: Reviving Cayman’s Maritime Legacy​

Tortuga Rum Company has joined forces with the Fair Weather Foundation, a Cayman-based nonprofit, to…

April 21, 2025
  • Noticias

Guía de ron de Chicago: destilerías y bares que no puedes perderte

Tu guía esencial para explorar la cultura del ron durante el Chicago Rum Fest Cada…

April 20, 2025
  • News

Malibu Brian Cox Clock Off Campaign Reminds Us to Reclaim Summer

Malibu has teamed up with Emmy Award-winning actor Brian Cox to launch the second phase…

April 19, 2025