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Friday 28 January 2011

Patricia Covarrubia

Is this true? The beer you drink says a lot about you

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A few months back I remember that our cousin blog the IPKat was running a competition: to provide the best explanation of the meaning of the new WIPO logo. At that time I thought of many trade marks –words, and logos, that do not say anything to us, or at least we do not know why the chosen word or logo. I guess this is a point of curiosity – however we must not forget that if the said mark is generic, customary and/or descriptive it cannot be registered.

Today I was reading the newspaper and I read the launch of two new beers in Mexico, namely: ‘salamandra’ and ‘purple hand beer’. The article pleased my curiosity because it actually explains why the chosen words for the two beers.

The beers are designated to be sold in gay bars and contain a mixture of ale and organic honey. The report continues, ‘purple hand’ takes its name following a 1969 protest against a California newspaper, after several homophobic comments. Those responsible for the news threw purple paint against the demonstrators, who in seeking to oppose the attack got their hands full of ink and placed on the walls of the building. The purple hand is seen as a defence of the rights and freedom of expression of the community.

On the other hand, ‘Salamandra’ takes its name from the animal that has the ability to change colours. According to the news, these two new beers are seen as an alternative and so seeking to establish a bond because of the identity they have.
Well, I am sure that with this explanation the marks are then suggestive of the targeting market (no the product) and capable of being registered.

Info here and here.

Patricia Covarrubia

Patricia Covarrubia