‘Stolen’ Cuba Trademark Ban Addresses Gap in Havana Club Spat

A new law barring enforcement of foreign government-stolen trademarks closes a gap between courts and the US Patent and Trademark Office that led to a Cuban rum dispute ping-ponging between the two for decades.

The No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act, passed unanimously and signed by President Joe Biden Dec. 1, de-legitimizes expropriated trademarks unless expressly permitted by the original owner or their successors. While the law isn’t limited to marks taken by Cuba, it was squarely aimed at trademarks confiscated in the 1959 Cuban Revolution, specifically “Havana Club” rum, according to committee reports and lawmaker statements.

The ...