Accolade Wines sues Cath Kidston

Accolade Wines has accused popular accessories and homeware brand Cath Kidston of illegally copying Babycham's deer logo.

Accolade Wines has issued a High Court writ against Cath Kidston for an alleged infringement of copyright after it used a cartoon deer, similar to Babycham‘s leaping, ribbon-clad mascot, on its Christmas 2012 homeware range.

‘We are most concerned that the use of a similar image risks bringing the brand into disrepute by using alcohol-related imagery on material designed for children,’ a spokesperson for the Hardys winemaker said.

‘The company’s initial attempts to resolve the dispute had been unsuccessful, leaving no option other than to go to court.’

Cath Kidston denied that there are any ‘substantial similarities’ between the two deer logos. ‘We have been advised that Babycham’s action is without merit,’ a spokesperson said. ‘We will fight these claims accordingly.’

Babycham, technically a sparkling perry, was first launched 60 years ago, in 1953.

Written by Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.