Pedro Pascal sues Chilean brand Pedro Piscal over trademark dispute

Pedro Pascal is engaged in a legal dispute with David Herrera, who registered the pisco brand name "Pedro Piscal" in 2023. Herrera stated, "We tried a few names and Pedro Piscal stuck," but he was taken aback by the legal threats from Pascal's team. Pascal, a prominent figure in Chile, filed for control of the brand name due to its similarity to his own.

This case is not unique; other Chilean businesses have previously faced lawsuits from Hollywood figures over similar naming issues. For instance, a honey brand named "Miel Gibson" successfully retained its name after a legal challenge from actor Mel Gibson. Similarly, a bakery called "Superpan" won against DC Comics, and a car wash named "Star Wash" is currently awaiting a ruling after a legal battle with Lucasfilm.

Herrera expressed no regrets about his brand choice, emphasizing that they do not use Pascal's likeness and are focused on selling quality products. Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Silva, representing Pascal, noted initial rulings favoring the actor, including the transfer of two online domains to him and successful trademarking of his name.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how intellectual property disputes are handled in Chile, particularly concerning local businesses and international brands. Pascal's legal team appears optimistic about a favorable ruling, which could come by the end of the year.

What to watch: The court's decision on the trademark dispute could significantly impact both Pascal's brand and Herrera's business.