APPEAL COURT RECOGNISED THE FINE IMPOSED BY FAS UPON “BAVARIA BREWERY”
FAS holds the company administratively liable for using FIFA symbols
On 19 August 2019, the 9th Arbitration Appeal Court recognized legitimacy of FAS imposing a 250,000 RUB administrative fine on “Bavaria Brewery” Group” Ltd. for unfair competition. Earlier, in April 2019, Moscow Arbitration Court took the FAS side in a dispute regarding the fine.
Background: FAS Collegium found the “Bavaria Brewery” Group” Ltd. had violated the antimonopoly law in the course of promotion campaign. The company was selling house beer using markings similar to the degree of confusion with FIFA brands [The Fédération Internationale de Football Association]. “Bavaria Brewery” also raffled tickets for FIFA 2018 World Cup final, although the company did not enter into any contracts with FIFA that would grant it such a right.
FAS held “Bavaria Brewery” Group” Ltd. administratively liable upon the fact of unfair competition associated with unlawful use of FIFA symbols and fined the company 250,000 RUB.