Does Absolut Vodka have a case against Absolute Radio?

Swedish vodka brand Absolut is suing Absolute Radio, formerly Virgin Radio, claiming it is infringing on its trademark.

The drinks brand claims that it is confusing consumers because the name is too similar to its own vodka brand. Do they have a point?

Don't know but humanity has a case against Absolute Radio. And here's Coldplay with Viva La Vida...

 Yes, because drinking Absolut Vodka is entertainment.

Absolutely not.

Two different markets.  Unless Absolut has registered its trademark in every conceivable trademark category, I'd say thay haven't got a leg to stand on.

To my mind, it's just a bit of cheap publicity.  Sabre rattling to say"we're bigger and more well known that you."

A company I used to work for tried similar.  They had the trademark for textiles, the other company for electronics.  No case to answer was the verdict.

If anything, having a similar name should help the drinks company, so I don't see why they are complaining. I doubt that Absolute Radio are trying to benefit from the similarity either. It's a bit petty. I'm not sure on the legalities, but from a common sense point of view, I don't see consumers gettig in too much of a muddle.

 While technically they may not have a case, as a member of the public when I first heard about Absolute Radio I immediately assumed that the vodka brand was involved.  It is not a difficult mental leap to make these days, after all  we all knew Virgin as an airline and then when it also became a vodka brand, among other things,  we did not question it.  Will we be getting Easy Vodka next?

There's no such thing as bad publicity, if listening to the radio station is going to do anything it'll be to reifnorce the name Absolute in the listeners mind making it more likely to be the brand of choice when faced with a shelf of about 15 other Vodkas. While it technically is an infringement (audio is heard not seen and they therefore sound the same) I don't see what Absolut have to complain about.

I think that the two companies are completely different and Absolut Vodka has no case here.  They should be glad as it may be actually god for thei brand.  It may be like a form of subliminal advertising of their brand and thus contribute to their brand.

Probably not, but both are arguably entertainment brands and Absolut certainly went after the same target so they have to go after it or risk appearing to not defend their trademark. They can probably benefit if they pursued some advertising or co-branding opportunities Virgin. 

 Absolutely, they should try to get a advertising space on this radio and promote their brad.  As I mentioned earlier, the radio is very likely to have audience that would be very benefiacial to reach for Absolute Vodka!!!