To Wakaouji Misaki: March 2014

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Japanese Rock Band Champagne Forced to Change their Name to Alexandros

Japanese rock band Champagne has had their trials and tribulations in the past year beginning with Aussie band Clubfeet, who accuses Champagne of "Ripping them off" by copying their video technology with an identical video of Clubfeet's "Everything You Wanted" music video and then the cancellation of two festival performances due to a traffic accident have now landed themselves in hot water again this time with Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne.

The International news stations have been all a buzz the past few weeks that France is stepping up their protection of their "Champagne" [name and product] which only " Champagne" comes from the Champagne region of France which is very true and they own the rights to the name, grapes, region and products produced there. Furthermore there is a global movement toward robust truth-in-labeling laws that protect consumers by requiring that wine growing place names are reserved exclusively for the regions where the wines come from such as Napa wines come from Napa Valley California and so on.

Now, what does this all have to do with a Japanese band? The band was using a licensed trademarked and copyrighted name "Champagne". How did they find them? Google search. So now as this band has gained popularity rapidly in Japan, they have had to do a 180 degree turn and change everything just as they are at a very important level in their career.With that being said the new name and website has been revealed... It's "Alexandros"!!

According to the band's website they tried to negotiate and in conclusion as result of extensive consultation with members , both staff , the decision was made to rename the band and there was no legal process involved in the decision. The band will continue on, just with a new name and thanks it's fans and their support to please continue.

Source: jpopasia