‘We're not passing off as Cristal': London winemaker faces legal challenge from Champagne house
A small London winery has defended its position after being threatened with legal action by French Champagne house Louis Roederer for naming one of its wines ‘Crystal'.
Renegade Urban Winery, which is based in Walthamstow, received a letter from lawyers for Louis Roederer who said the name was too similar to its leading Champagne, ‘Cristal'.
The letter, dated 29 September 2023, accused Renegade of "passing off" its ‘Crystal' wine and said the product name and branding was "highly similar, if not identical" to the Champagne product.
It demanded Renegade cease marketing and selling its ‘Crystal' wine immediately and requested it abandon use of the name in the future.
The letter was sent by Louis Roederer's representatives at Lane IP, a law firm specializing in trademarks, copyright, designs, patents and domain names.
It was originally sent to Renegade's wine bar in Bethnal Green but came to the attention of Renegade's founder Warwick Smith almost a month later when, on 23 October, he received an email from the law firm alerting him to its client's claims.
Speaking to The Caterer, Smith said Renegade's ‘Crystal' wine was "completely different" to Louis Roederer's ‘Cristal' Champagne and the grapes, look, taste, colour, and price point were not similar "in any way".
"We're certainly not trying to pass ourselves off as Cristal," he added.
"The irony is that the whole thing about my brand is we don't make copycat wines; we try to create unique styles that are completely different."
Smith responded to the letter on 25 October and Louis Roederer's lawyers Lane IP replied on 27 October, stating they will revert to their client for further instruction.
Smith said: "Well done [to Louis Roederer] for building such a fantastically famous and well-regarded champagne brand, but I just don't think we're copying them or infringing on their trademark or brand in any way.
"I was even thinking, if they want to sell us some grapes, we could make a little collab together. That could be fun."
Renegade, which launched in 2016, produces around 70,000 bottles a year and sells its wines to 60 restaurants across the UK.
Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 and creates up to 400,000 bottles a year with clients ranging from royalty to music stars.
Louis Roederer and Lane IP have been contacted for comment.
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