French demand we drop the 'c' word | Coffs Coast News | Local News in Coffs Coast

Champagne Messenger owners Stuart and Kyla Holley were forced to change their business name to Bubbly To Go.

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THE Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne, the semi-government authority of the Republic of France, has a big problem with a small business in Coffs Harbour.

It has forced the gift delivery business to change its name from 'Champagne Messenger' to 'Bubbly To Go'.

The CIVC's purpose is to protect the history and reputation of sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France.

Their protection of the name applies to anyone registering a domain name or business name containing the word champagne.

Champagne Messenger legally registered their business and domain name and traded happily for one year until the French stepped in and threatened to commence federal court proceedings if the business didn't stop using the word within seven days.

The threat has left business owners Stuart and Kyla Holley shocked, bemused and considerably out of pocket.

“We have been told we have a good chance of winning if we let them take us to court,” Mrs Holley said.

“But we're just a small business that is less than a year old, we can't possibly afford to fight this in court... even though we feel we are being bullied.”

And it may appear that the Coffs Harbour couple were singled out.

“Jump on the world wide web and you will easily find more than 20 other businesses using the word champagne as part of their domain name in Australia and overseas,” Mrs Holley said.

“A quick search of the trademark registry also confirms that some businesses have registered the word champagne in their name, even though they are not based in the Champagne region and don't sell Champagne wines.”

But it goes further than that. Mrs Holley said the people who live in Champagne, a small town in Switzerland, have also been told by the CIVC that they can't use the name of their town on any items that are produced there.

“It's madness really. Will it get to the stage where you can't buy champagne ham or enjoy a champagne breakfast any more, just because the French 'own' that word?” she said.

In the meantime, the Holleys have changed the business name and purchased the domain name www.bubblytogo.com.au and are hoping that no-one has any objections. Inquiries 6652 1993.