New York, NY- General Cigar Co., Inc., the exclusive owner of the COHIBA trademark in the U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Sandoval in Reno, Nevada granted General Cigar's motion for preliminary injunctive relief in the action captioned General Cigar Co., Inc. v. COHIBA Caribbean's Finest, Inc. et al.
The District Court's Order enjoins the defendants, and all persons acting in concert with defendants, from importing, manufacturing, selling, distributing, advertising and/or promoting cigars and other tobacco products bearing or using the COHIBA trademark.
The Order also enjoins the defendants from representing that they have any legal right to use the COHIBA trademark or designation similar to General Cigar's COHIBA mark.
Violation of the federal court Order would subject the defendants to civil contempt, likely resulting in severe financial penalties.
As alleged in General Cigar's complaint, filed May 11, 2006, the defendants are responsible for manufacture, sale and distribution of cigars and other products bearing the "COHIBA Caribbean's Finest" brand name.
Gerry Roerty, vice president and general counsel of General Cigar, commented, "While the case is still pending and in its early stages, we are confident that we will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, we feel that the judge's order sends a strong message to those who continue to make false representations to consumers regarding the COHIBA brand."
General Cigar is engaged in an ongoing, nationwide effort to stamp out counterfeits of its trademarks. The company has retained a special task force consisting of attorneys and a team of private investigators from across the United States, the majority of whom formerly served as federal and/or state prosecutors or law enforcement agents.
COHIBA premium cigars are handcrafted in the Dominican Republic and are a favorite among cigar connoisseurs. In addition to the COHIBA hallmark line, General Cigar manufactures and markets COHIBA XV which was introduced in 2001.
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Swedish Match, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar produces Macanudo, Partagas, Cuban cohiba, Punch, Excalibur, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic.
General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in New York City, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide.
COHIBA, Macanudo, Partagas, Punch, Excalibur, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo and Cohiba XV are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co., Inc.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
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