Kokie Cola Anyone?
Coca-Cola has filed an opposition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to prevent an Australian woman from registering the trademark “Kokie Koala”, a name she chose for her buisness in which she intends to sell golf club head covers to help fund golf lessons for disadvantaged children. Virginia Richardson, now living in Baltimore, formed Kokie Koala in 1997, however, put her business on hold while fighting breast cancer. She chose the name because “Kokie” was her childhood nickname and her favorite childhood toy was a stuffed koala bear. Coke states that Richardson’s trademark application ”falsely suggests a connection or affiliation” with Coca-Cola.
Though Coke insists that the company uses its trademark to market such products as golf balls, tees, clubs, divot repair tools and golf bags, I cannot remember the last time (or any time, for that matter) that I saw ”Coke” brand golf gear for sale. Since Phil Mickelson has broken ties with Titleist, maybe Coke will start manufacturing Coke-brand golf clubs for him creating tough competition for Nike and Tiger.
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Posted by Douglas Sorocco, September 5, 2004 at 4:37 pm
Permalink: Kokie Cola Anyone?
1 Comment
Maybe the Coca-Cola logo appears on golf gear, but trademark indicates source of goods. Historically, trademark law looked at preventing customer confusion as to source. I would guess that these items are promotional, intended to circulate the name, rather than an indication of a quality source of golf supplies. I have long associated Coca-Cola with a quality beverage, but I’ve never considered it a quality golf manufacturer. Of course, I’ve never considered Kokie Koala a quality golf manufacturer either. Maybe it’s just a matter of time.