Accolade Wines has taken the dramatic step of
issuing a High Court writ against wholesome homewear company Cath Kidston in order
to protect its Babycham mascot. The Drinks Business reports that the wine
company has accused Kidston of infringing its copyright when a similar
deer-like creature appeared on her 2012 Christmas range.
Leaping to fame in the ‘70s, the iconic Babycham
logo features a baby chamois wearing a blue ribbon. Kidston denies the
accusation, insisting that there are no “substantial similarities” between the
logos. "While it can’t be denied that deer and chamois are both hoofed
ruminants unaccustomed to wearing ribbons, the differences speak for
themselves, not least arising out of the absence of horns and the springing
'springbok' stance,” said Kidston’s lawyer Philip Roberts.
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| Kidston's Christmas deer |
Accolade is seeking an injunction to prevent Kidston from using the deer logo,
along with "destruction" of all products marked with the logo, and an
inquiry into the damage caused. “We have been advised that Babycham's action is
without merit. We will fight these claims accordingly. As the matter is being
litigated, we can make no further comment at this time,” said a spokesperson
for Cath Kidston.
Born in Marylebone in 1958, Catherine Kidston
MBE is best known for her floral patterns adorning everything from aprons and
egg cups to gardening gloves. She opened her first shop in London's Notting
Hill in 1993, selling hand-embroidered tea-towels and renovated furniture.
In February 2010, the company was valued at £75m
when Kidston sold a majority stake to private equity investors TA Associates,
retaining a minority stake and remaining the company's creative director. Babycham
was the first alcohol brand and second ever brand to be advertised on commercial TV in the UK with a
campaign in 1957.
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