Since 2001 commercial use of the word Alhambra has been restricted to protect the reputation of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Patrono de la Alhambra y el Generalife, trustees of the monument, have approached the fashion house for an explanation and could seek legal action if no “mutually beneficial” arrangement is forthcoming.
— The Giorgio Armani brand apparently did not get permission to use the name Alhambra in their new Oranger Alhambra fragrance. Read more at the Telegraph.
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That's interesting. While I think the Alhambra is one of those places one MUST see in one's lifetime (really), the idea of oranges and a scent called “Oranger” more strongly evokes for me the mosque/cathedral in Córdoba, which has a huge inner courtyard filled with neat rows of beautiful orange trees. Ah, the memory. Maybe they just should have called it “Oranger Andalus”
Or maybe they should have checked the trademark status…I'm always shocked at how many companies don't check the legal status of the name before they use it!
Although it's a site that's hundreds of years old — I can't think of a good comparison right now but I'd never imagine that it's a protected name. There's also a medium-sized city in California called Alhambra, and I can guarantee that there are all kinds of “Alhambra” liquor stores, car washes, delis, mini-malls and nail salons emblazoned with that name! The more I think about it, this seems silly!
Does this mean we should all rush out and go buy a bottle quick? Cos if no arrangement can be reached and the fragrance ends up getting pulled (or at least, relabelled) this first batch will all be “limited edition No. 1s”.
:p
Have to agree — it is REALLY silly. Still, it's been trademarked since 2001 and you wouldn't think that info was hard to come by.
LOL — perhaps! But guessing they'll come to a settlement.