Getting His Ginger Up

Keiran Folliard has his ginger up.

And it's all because of Pernod Ricard.

The publican is suing the French drinks firm for infringing on his exclusive rights to the name of a tasty cocktail that he invented and served at his Minnesota pub, The Local. A blend of Jameson whiskey and ginger ale, with a touch of citrus, the beverage was a huge seller, to the point that Mr. Folliard was one of the biggest sellers of Jameson whiskey in the world.

Pernod Ricard took note, and the next thing you know, they're promoting a cocktail called the Big Jameson Ginger. Promotions are designed to increase sales, and Mr. Folliard felt that the multinational corporation was profiting off of his discovery, without a drop of credit to his name.

Mr. Folliard holds the trademark on the "Big Ginger" name, so he sees Pernod Ricard in violation of the law as the conglomerate ruthlessly tramples on his rights. Pernod Ricard's legal team will, of course, point out that they've added a new word, "Jameson", into the mix so it isn't the same name at all, at all.

And as for mixing cocktails, is there really anything new under the sun?

While Mr. Folliard wants Jameson to stop using the name, it's likely that the distiller will fight the battle in court until the promotion has run its course, and then drop the name when it's no longer useful to them.

Look for a settlement somewhere down the road. Slainte!