In a recent legal decision, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal dismissed Casa Tradición’s trademark infringement accusation against Casa Azul, the maker of ultra-premium tequila. The court ruling allowed both companies to continue marketing their tequila products, highlighting the distinct differences in their trade dresses, names, and branding.
Casa Azul, founded by beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins, offers a range of certified organic tequila and tequila soda products. Collins, known for his successful exits in the beverage industry, including selling sports drink BodyArmor and Core Hydration, explained that the Casa Azul brand has been a part of his family for decades. The name, which translates to “blue house” in Spanish, pays homage to the blue weber agave used in the tequila production process.
Following the court’s decision, Collins expressed gratitude for the judge’s ruling in favor of Casa Azul. He emphasized the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality tequila products and maintaining the integrity of its USDA Certified Organic certification. The company remains focused on delivering excellence to its customers.
Celebrity Partnerships
Since its inception, Casa Azul has attracted a notable group of celebrity investors and partners, including actress Eiza González, football champion Travis Kelce, and golf champion Michelle Wie. These partnerships have helped elevate the brand’s profile and reach a wider audience.
Legal Victory
Plaintiff Clase Azul, known for its unique chess-shaped bottles, originally filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Casa Azul in September 2022. However, Judge Rosenthal dismissed the claims for monetary relief and struck the jury demand in November of the same year. Casa Azul’s legal counsel, David Bernstein, highlighted the distinctive differences between the two brands, including product offerings, marketing strategies, and brand names.
The legal battle over Casa Azul tequila underscores the importance of brand differentiation and a strong legal defense. The court’s decision in favor of Casa Azul reinforces the company’s commitment to quality and integrity in the tequila industry. As Casa Azul continues to expand its presence and partnerships, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional tequila products to its customers.