Havana Club Trademark Battle: The $Billion Brand Name War Explained

Intellectual Property News, patent law, trademark law, copyright law, AI law, intellectual property strategy, and innovation protection insights with Richard Gearhart. Why is Havana Club rum sold by one company in the United States and another everywhere else? In this episode we  unpack the decades-long Havana Club trademark dispute between Bacardi and the Cuban government, revealing how history, politics, international law, and trademark renewals collided in one of the world's most fascinating brand ownership battles. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators will learn why trademarks require ongoing maintenance, how missed renewal deadlines can jeopardize valuable intellectual property, and why protecting your brand today can prevent costly legal battles for decades to come. If you have an idea or an invention that you want to protect, Team at Gearhart Law helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into protected assets. You can visit www.learnmoreaboutpatents.com or www.learnmoreabouttrademarks.com or a free consultation and practical guides to get you started. Richard Gearhart, Esq. is a life sciences intellectual property attorney and Founding Partner of Gearhart Law, LLC, with over 30 years of experience helping pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, diagnostics, and health-tech companies protect and commercialize innovation. A trained chemist and former senior in-house IP leader, he advises founders, executives, and investors on patents, trademarks, licensing, and IP strategy aligned with fundraising, regulatory pathways, and long-term enterprise value. As an active angel investor, Richard also brings a unique insider perspective on valuation, risk, and growth—making him a trusted voice at the intersection of innovation, law, and business strategy. Read more at: https://gearhartlaw.com/