Grumpy Cat: Compensation for violation of trademark right

The grouchy cat from the USA in the middle of a lawsuit.

Grumpy Cat, the cat with her genetically determined grouchy facial expression, has become popular even outside the internet and is a popular advertising theme.

Responsible for the management of licenses is Grumpy Cat Limited, which entered into a contract with Grenade Beverage, an American coffee manufacturer, who then was allowed to use the Grumpy Cat trademark for their “Grumppoccino”. When Grenade Beverage started to enlarge their Grumpy Cat product span to ground coffee and t-shirts, the cat’s owner went to court for violation of trademark right – and won. The grouchy cat and its owner obtained $700,000 compensation from this lawsuit.

Further information on this unusual case is to be found in this copy of the decision.

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