A UK judge ruled in favor of Red Bull GMBH on January 30, 2020, finding Big Horn UK Limited and Big Horn CEO Lyunomir Enchev liable for infringement of Red Bull trademarks.
The logos in dispute, pictured below, feature two rams facing each other against a yellow circular backdrop. Red Bull’s logo features two bulls facing each other against a circular backdrop. Both logos depict the moment before impact. Like Red Bull, Big Horn also uses a blue and silver color scheme on their cans.
Red Bull is a globally popular energy drink brand with an estimated 2016 brand value of €15.111 million (approximately 16.18 million USD) according to Eurobrand.
According to court documents, Red Bull’s complaint against Big Horn is that its logo, though not identical, is similar enough in design that the average consumer would make a connection between the two brands. Enough of a connection that the average consumer might consider Big Horn comparable to, or an off-brand version of, Red Bull.
Court findings
Big Horn and Enchev were found liable for infringement under Article 9(2)(c) of Regulation 207/2009 as amended by Regulation 2015/2424, and Article 9(2)(c) of the EUTMR.
