Maker’s Mark Brings Trademark Suit Over Bourbon Cigars

Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. claims the packaging for a bourbon-infused cigar misuses its red logo and dripping wax design.

Maker’s Mark asserts that the packaging for “The Bourbon Cigar” causes confusion. In a trademark infringement suit filed Jan. 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, it seeks an injunction and damages from Spalding Group Inc., which does business as Ted’s Cigars.

Spalding had a license agreement with Maker’s Mark to manufacture cigars infused with its bourbon. The glass tubes in which the cigars were packaged promoted Maker’s Mark name, logo, and wax design.

After Maker’s ...