Confusion
According to Cointreau – a trademark that has been used in the US since 1885 and now selling about 4 million bottles a year – consumers may confuse Cointreau’s and Quatreau’s similar-sounding names. In addition, the French claim that they are about to market non-alcoholic drinks under the Cointreau name.
Can Quatreau pack up their belongings?
I’m going to take a guess: I think Cointreau will win the day here. The trademarks are very similar in sound, and the Cointreau name has been around for a long time and enjoys a high level of recognition. Add to that the unwanted association with cannabis, and Quatreau can pack their bags. Cointreau doesn’t even need their non-alcoholic drinks ‘story’ right now. Their pretended plans to sell non-alcoholic beverages under the Cointreau brand 135 years after the introduction in 1885 are curious. “Hey, kids, who wants a glass of Cointreau lemonade?”. Hmmm, I hope not.
Bas Kist
