Statement from Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. on the U.S. Court of Appeals Ruling Regarding Havana Club Rum Registration

Statement from Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. on the U.S. Court of Appeals Ruling
Regarding Havana Club Rum Registration
By: PRNewswire | 30 March 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Statement from Patricia M. Neal, spokeswoman for Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.,
on the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on March 29, 2011 regarding the
HAVANA CLUB registration.

"Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. applauds the U.S. Court of Appeals for confirming
that the Cuban government had no `vested right' to the renewal of the
HAVANA CLUB trademark registration in the U.S., and that the U.S. Office
of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) acted lawfully in denying Cubaexport a
license for the renewal. The effect of the Court of Appeals' decision is
that the Cuban government's registration is expired and cancelled. The
U.S. courts have also consistently ruled that the Cuban-French venture
Havana Club Holding has no rights to the HAVANA CLUB trademark in the U.S.

"With this ruling, the United States reaffirms the traditional principle
that confiscation of trademarks in one country has no effect on another.
Cuban confiscation of trademarks without compensation to the original
owners does not extend to U.S. trademarks.

"We are thrilled with the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals. As we
have maintained all along, Bacardi is the legitimate owner of the brand."

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of
one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company
boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling
spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's
favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most
awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka;
DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch
whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and
fastest-growing premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® 100 percent blue
agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in Mexico and a
top-selling premium tequila in the United States; MARTINI® vermouth, the
world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands. For
additional information, visit http://www.bacardiusa.com.

Contacts

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Amy Federman, 441-294-1110

afederman@bacardi.com

or

Patricia M. Neal, 441-294-1110

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