Critic ‘Champagne Jayne’ facing fresh court battle over name

A trademark dispute between France's Champagne trade body and the critic known as 'Champagne Jayne' is set to return to court after the two failed to agree a settlement.

Image credit: ‘Champagne’ Jayne Powell

Jayne Powell and the Comite Champagne spent a fruitless day of mediation in the Federal Court in Melbourne this week.

Lawyers for the Comite Champagne have accused Powell of misleading consumers by registering her ‘Champane Jayne’ name in Australia, partly because she also reviews non-Champagne sparkling wines.

It is a dispute that could potentially have ramifications for other critics.

The case went to mediation after both sides spent three days arguing in court last December. But, as no agreement was reached this week, the case is to resume in court. A date for the hearing was not specified.

The Comite Champagne filed its first complaint in December 2013. No further details of the mediation were available and Powell remains banned from talking to the media.

Powell’s supporters have set up a campaign to help fund her legal expenses on crowdfunding site Go Fund Me.

See also:

• Trial of ‘Champagne Jayne’ halted for trademark talks
• Champagne lawyers accuse critic ‘Champagne Jayne’ of trademark infringement

Written by Jim Budd