More radio news, and the makers of vodka brand Absolut has launched legal proceedings against the decision of Virgin Radio's new owners to rebrand the national station as Absolute Radio.
As previously reported, the Times Of India Group had to rebrand the rock station after they acquired it off SMG because they compete with Richard Branson's Virgin Group in India, and Branson still holds the rights to the name Virgin Radio. The Times Of India's existing UK radio company was called Absolute, so they decided to go with that brand for their new station too.
But drinks firm Vin&Sprit aint impressed with that decision, even if there is an 'e' to differentiate the two brands. It says the Times Of India Group is infringing their trademark, and has thrown in a 'passing off' claim as well, just in case the trademark courts don't rule in their favour. Key to both claims are whether or not us consumers will be confused by the launch of Absolute Radio. The vodka firm may well point to its music marketing platform Absolut Tracks as one reason why there may be confusion between the two seemingly different products.
But Absolute Radio say they disagree with the vodka firm and are confident that the courts will too. A spokeswoman for the radio station told reporters: "We absolutely believe that the two brands can exist alongside each other and that our 5 million listeners can distinguish between a vodka brand and a radio station. We hope for a swift resolution to this situation and remain 100% committed to our exciting plans for Absolute Radio".