[NOTE: I apologize for the recent break in posting. I had a death in my family recently, and quite frankly family takes precedence over cigars. The following statement was sent out by Gran Habano in my absence, and I thought it warranted being published, as personally I believe this is outright silliness on the part of our government. To deny a new trademark is one thing, but to retro-actively recall one is outlandish. I will be sending the requested email and completing the form, and would urge all of you to do the same. We’re being stepped on enough without this kind of affront. I will return to a normal posting and reviewing schedule tomorrow…so be on the lookout!]
Gran Habano was notified by the U.S. Trade Mark office stating that “Gran Habano” is misleading the public. The Trade Mark office claims that with the brand name “Gran Habano” is misleading the public to think we are selling cigars from Cuba. We all in the cigar industry know that this is not true and Cuban cigars being sold in this country is ILLEGAL. All retail locations know that Gran Habano products are not manufactured in Cuba and are grown in Honduras and Nicaragua as all labels on Gran Habano cigars state. The public buys our cigars for the quality of the cigar and Gran Habano’s customers do not smoke them “BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY ARE FROM CUBA”.
We are reaching out to everyone and anyone that can help. Our trademark attorney is requesting that our retailers and consumers fill out a form acknowledging that they understand that the Gran Habano product is not a Cuban one. Please contact [email protected] to have a retailer/distributor OR customer form emailed to you. One would only have to fill out the blanks on a MS Word form and submit them to Gran Habano via email at [email protected] or fax (305) 436-5740 before Friday 08/08/14.
Please help us stop the Government from trying to remove a name so well known in the cigar community. Together we can stop this from happening.
THANK YOU to everyone and your efforts in this matter will be greatly appreciated from us at Gran Habano.
CigarCraig says
I have heard conjecture that Altadis is behind this, I have trouble believing someone at the US Trademark Office would have the gumption to more forward on such a ridiculous endeavor by themselves.