Viagra producer tries to block registration of Viagra Vodka

Pfizer Products Groton USA, the producer of the renowned Viagra impotence pills, is demanding that the Patent Office withdraw its recent decision to register the Viagra Vodka produced by Unikom Bols-Group. Bols filed for registration of the vodka in May 1998, when Viagra pills were already famous around the world, but not yet registered and available in Poland. Under regulations in force at the time, it was possible to register similar trademarks for two products of a different type. However, even then, the Patent Office had a right to reject a registration motion if it found that the registrant was seeking to exploit another trademark to his advantage. Hence, it is not entirely clear whether the decision to register Viagra Vodka was a justifiable one. If the Patent Office does not reverse its decision, the issue will likely be resolved by the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA), setting a precedent for other similar cases. A number of other companies have filed for registration of products such as tobacco, vegetable oil and toys, all featuring the word "Viagra" in their name. (Rzeczpospolita, Nov. 3-4, p.C1) T.J.