Does Trademark Law Have Room For A Sense Of Humor? Dolce & Gabbana Sue Dolce & Banana

from the now-if-there-was-something-that-rhymed-with-dolce dept

It appears that Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana doesn't feel that trademark law has room for jokes. It has sued a small Capetown, South Africa store called "Dolce & Banana." It seems like the shop might have a reasonable parody defense, but in the end, it really is just a joke. Is anyone actually fooled into thinking this shop is somehow connected with the luxury brand? That seems doubtful. Either way, the store has changed its name from Dolce & Banana: To just "... & Banana" Of course, the woman who runs the store, Mijou Beller, apparently took to Twitter asking the luxury firm why it was bothering:

“Dear Stefano, please let us be. And visit us in Cape Town. I have always admired your famous sense of humor so present in your brand and in your designs. And although I appreciate that Dolce & Gabbana is a very successful commercial enterprise, I fail to understand why Dolce and Banana is a threat.”

In the end, it's that final point that is the key. How was this brand doing any damage at all to D&G?

Filed Under: capetown, parody, south africa
Companies: dolce & gabbana