Courts / Tipperary / Report

Trademark dispute between Tipperary Crystal and giftware seller is resolved

Date
2018-02-26

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Tipperary

Summary

In February 2018, a trademark dispute between Allied Imports Ltd, the owner of the Tipperary Crystal brand, and Kavanagh Giftware Ltd was resolved. Allied Imports had sued Kavanagh Giftware for alleged passing off of Tipperary Crystal marks on packaging of mugs and cups sold by the giftware company. The case, admitted to the fast‑track Commercial Court, was brought before Mr Justice Brian McGovern, who was informed that the parties had reached a settlement and the case could be struck out. Allied Imports and its director, Mr Robert Scanlan, argued that Kavanagh Giftware's use of a grey and white graphical representation on the inside and outside of packaging infringed their copyright and caused public confusion. Kavanagh Giftware had sold the products in its Enniscorthy outlet and online, and was also distributing them wholesale to other retailers in Ireland. The settlement ended the litigation without further orders or injunctions.