LVMH sues Hong Kong merchant over XLV wine range
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French luxury group LVMH is suing a wine merchant in Hong Kong over an alleged trademark infringement.bThe plaintiffs are suing over a wine range named “XLV”, established in collaboration between Cuvee XLV French Wine and Quentin-Louis, the son of fifth generation family member Xavier-Louis Vuitton.
During a January 16 hearing in the High Court, LVMH claimed that the wine’s label design deliberately mimics the Louis Vuitton logo to mislead consumers. Cuvee XLV’s owner Wong Sau Ying has previously stated that the range has no relationship with the LV business, although the family connection is a factor in the wine sales.
“The family is involved and that is important. In China trust is important – there are many imitations, but this brand can be trusted,” said Wong in a 2012 interview.
Wong is pleading that the font size used on the XLV label differs from that of LV products.
The case has been pending since 2008 when the label became apparent to the LVMH group.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the specific legal claim LVMH is making against the Hong Kong merchant?
What is the specific legal claim LVMH is making against the Hong Kong merchant?
LVMH is claiming that the wine’s label design deliberately mimics the Louis Vuitton logo. They allege this is intended to mislead consumers into believing the XLV range is associated with their brand.
Q.Who is the owner of Cuvee XLV French Wine, the company involved in this trademark dispute?
Who is the owner of Cuvee XLV French Wine, the company involved in this trademark dispute?
The owner of Cuvee XLV French Wine is Wong Sau Ying. She has previously stated that her XLV wine range has no direct relationship with the LV business, despite family connections.
Q.When did LVMH first become aware of the XLV label, leading to this legal action?
When did LVMH first become aware of the XLV label, leading to this legal action?
LVMH first became aware of the XLV label in 2008. The legal case has been pending since that time, culminating in the January 16 High Court hearing mentioned.
Q.What defence is Cuvee XLV's owner offering regarding the label's design?
What defence is Cuvee XLV's owner offering regarding the label's design?
The owner, Wong Sau Ying, is pleading that the font size used on the XLV label differs from that typically found on LV products. This is part of her defence against the trademark infringement claim.
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