Peaky Blinders TV show makers lose whiskey fight
A US judge has ruled that the company behind hit BBC drama Peaky Blinders can’t block the maker of a similarly named Irish whiskey brand from using its name.
California District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall rejected Caryn Mandabach Productions application for a preliminary injunction against Sadler’s Brewhouse, which owns the Irish whiskey brand Peaky Blinder.
The judge ruled Caryn Mandabach didn’t show it owned a protectable trademark in the name, that Sadler’s products were likely to confuse, or that the alleged confusion could cause it irreparable harm.
‘Brand rights’
Reuters reported a spokeswoman for UK alcohol group Halewood, which owns Sadler’s and was a co-defendant in the case, saying: “We are pleased with the decision, and Halewood will continue to vigorously defend and protect its brand rights.”
The report said Mandabach sued Sadler’s for trademark infringement last November, alleging Sadler’s Peaky Blinder whiskey, gin, rum, and dark beer products were likely to cause confusion with its show, which stars Irish actor Cillian Murphy.
Sadler’s and Halewood sources the liquid for its Irish whiskey brand from Great Northern Distillery.
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