Tabasco has filed an infringement claim against a new jalapeño vodka, alleging that the product could harm the launch of its new Absolut x Tabasco collaboration. Tabasco producer McIlhenny Company claim that Stoli Group's Halapeño Pepper vodka packaging infringes on its trademarked brand identity, potentially leading to customer confusion.
While heated design disputes in the world of branding aren't uncommon, this legal battle is particularly poignant, stemming from a proposed collaboration between the two parties that never came to be. As the tension heats up, it's unclear how the case will be resolved, but for now, both sides are standing firm in their positions.
In 2024, Stoli and McIlhenny were in talks to create a spicy vodka, taking inspiration from Tabasco's iconic packaging. Despite the hot sauce brand deciding “to go in a different direction" and terminating discussions, Stoli continued with proceedings, later launching its Halapeño Pepper Vodka – the very design proposed for the collaboration, McIlhenny alleges.
Despite McIlhenny sending a cease-and-desist letter to Stoli shortly after the release, the vodka brand refused to stand down, leading to an official trademark lawsuit. Alongside the issue of consumer confusion, the filing claims that the packaging is "Infringing Trade Dress" due to its use of "the same bottle shape, color scheme, green neck label, and red cap," alongside "a broken concentric circle design in the center of the bottle with green and red sans serif font."
Stoli claims it will “vigorously defend its position through the appropriate legal process,” but for now the outcome remains unclear. For more design disputes, check out the bizarre opponent in this Ferrari logo battle, or take a look at the logo endorsed by King Charles that got caught in a messy design conundrum.
