Bern, Feb 20 (IANS) The logo for the German Jagermeister alcohol brand which a stag with a shining white cross between its antlers, is not religiously offensive, a Swiss court has ruled.
The logo refers to the legend of St Hubertus, the ‘Apostle of the Ardennes’, who is said to have converted to Christianity on a Good Friday in the 8th century after witnessing a stag with a crucifix between its antlers, the BBC said in a report on Thursday.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property had blocked efforts by the spirit brand to expand its trademark to cosmetics and entertainment services.
It had argued that the logo could offend the country’s Christians.
But the Swiss federal judges ruled in favour of Jagermeister saying that the “intensive” use of the logo had “weakened its religious character” over time, making the chance of genuine offence unlikely, the BBC quoted Swissinfo as saying in a report.
Jagermeister can now use its logo on a wide-range of products in Switzerland including cosmetics, mobile phones, or telecommunications services.
Founded in the 1934, the spirit is made of 56 herbs and spices and contains 35 per cent alcohol.
Since its founding, Jagermeister is served in its signature dark green glass bottle.
–IANS
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