Yesterday, we learned that the band Ghost was suing the vodka brand Ghost over trademark infringement. Today, the attorney representing Tobias Forge explained why they are going through with the suit.
After our reporter yesterday, Blabbermouth got further comment from the sales director of Ghost Drinks Ltd., Ry Leon, who explained their position:
"The band take umbrage to Ghost Vodka (trading since 2015) being allowed to title their brand as such, feeling they should have exclusive use of the word 'ghost' across a multitude of different sectors. This is despite their primary business and income deriving from music and not having a competing product in this sector.
"Ghost Vodka was conceived in 2013 and we launched in June 2015 at Fortnum & Mason in London. Hardly going for the rock metal crowd here. Since then we have nurtured our business to have a presence in 36 countries. At the time of launching we had never heard of the band or Tobias Forge.
"We believe Tobias Forge needs the money having recently settled another case out of court. Having observed us since 2016 he now feels that we might have the funds available to provide him with a decent sized settlement. The money made from selling their gin is negligible, the volumes just aren't there. He should stick to what he's good at.
"Until the end of last year we had never heard of Tobias Forge. Having looked into his background, this is all entirely within character. If he can screw over his own bandmates, he will have now qualms in coming after a small, independent business.
"We respect his success and we can understand how hard he has worked to get where he is, however, there is no excuse for this kind of shitty behaviour on his part."
Meanwhile, Loudwire reached out to the firm representing Tobias Forge, GOZZO Advokater, and spoke to legal counsel Ann-Charlotte Söderlund Björk, who offered this statement as to why the company is being sued:
"Svensk Drama Pop (SDP) holds an exclusive trademark registration throughout the European Union for the figurative sign 'Ghost.' Those rights are licensed to Global Merchandising Services Ltd, in whose interest these proceedings are brought. This case has been on-going for months now, and numerous attempts have been made throughout that period of time to reach an amicable settlement.
"This case is not about 'gin vs. vodka,' it's about trademark rights that grant ownership for any and all alcoholic beverages — gin, whiskey, wine, beer, ale, vodka, etc. For any other EU-based entity to use the word 'Ghost' as part of its alcoholic beverage brand name would be in violation of SDP's exclusive rights. SDP is entitled to defend these rights as any other business would when their trademark rights have been infringed. That is standard procedure."
We'll see how this plays out in the courts.
