When you start a new business that is full of competition and excitement, sometimes small things spark a legal battle. This is exactly what happened when the US Cat Food Brand Challenges NZ Rival Over ‘Meow’ Trademark Dispute. A single word “Meow” is so common for cats. Nobody thinks that this word creates a serious problem for US and New Zealand both the companies. A small thing can lead to a bigger battle which can harm both companies.
It means trademarks play an important role in protecting a brand name or logo. Before moving further to know the disputes, firstly discuss about trademarks. Why trademark is important in protecting a name, or a logo.
Why Trademarks Are Important?
Basically, a trademark is a unique word, sign or logo that helps buyers identify a specific brand, product or service. They protect your business from your competitors who can copy your name which creates confusion among customers. Once customers feel confused then the trust that you build will overpower.
In the case of Meow, the US claims that allowing another brand in a different country to use the same word could weaken its identity. On the other side, New Zealand argues that Meow is so common word for cats that does not belong to one brand. If you want to know more then let’s explore in detail.
Reason For Dispute
The actual reason behind why “US Cat Food Brand Challenges NZ Rival Over ‘Meow’ Trademark Dispute” was the trademark “Meow”. Branding is important in the pet food industry also because companies spend millions in creating names, logos, and slogans. With the help of this, they easily attract customers and make their products or services stand out. The US-based company is a well-known brand of cat food that sells affordable and tasty food for cats. They decided to take strict action against the New Zealand brand.
The New Zealand brand that covers the local market uses the same word Meow for their products. The US company thinks that they caught the attention of their name “Meow Mix” which confuses their customers and could harm their business.
Let’s Focus On The Legal Battle
The New Zealand company uses the same word that’s the reason they filed a legal complaint which sparked the debate on how far trademark rights should extend.
● A big company could be able to stop a small local business from using a common word.
● Or smaller companies have the right to use common words freely.
The New Zealand brand argues that its intention is not to copy the name. Instead, the word is generic and can’t be owned by one company. So, therefore the case is reviewed by legal experts who have the experience to handle these disputes. They decide whether the New Zealand company misused the Meow word of Meow Mix trademark already owned by the US company.
What’s The Next Step Of This Battle?
Due to US Cat Food Brand Challenges NZ Rival Over ‘Meow’ Trademark Dispute, the court is forced to decide which one is right. If the court asks New Zealand to change its brand name, it could be expensive for them. While New Zealand won the case, these kinds of disputes come forward and encourage smaller companies to stand up in front of big companies. That stand-up decision may affect both companies, but bigger companies have to pay more rather it would their goodwill or profits.
Another way to settle down is negotiation. Sometimes, companies negotiate an agreement outside the court to save their time and money. When these legal battles come to an end, both parties have to bear many losses. It’s better to settle down outside the court, for that New Zealand can add a unique word to its brand name or can add any type visual effect with that name.
Conclusion
US Cat Food Brand Challenges NZ Rival Over ‘Meow’ Trademark Dispute become a fascinating example for others. How the smallest detail or word can lead to the biggest battle in which both side companies have to face struggles. It is not a big thing to fight because one company says another company copying their name which could harm their business.
The other company says it is a common word how could that harm our business? So, both companies have to argue carefully which could not have any bad impact on their business. Whatever the result this case will influence how trademarks are important and viewed in the future.
A generic word can lead to a big battle so to avoid this kind of problem our team of professionals helps you out. They have years of experience in applying for trademarks and help protect your brand name so that no company will ever copy it.