Seattle, October 20, 2008 - Today, Seattle-based Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.
and Authentic Hendrix, LLC, owners of the Jimi Hendrix music, trademarks
and licensing rights, were victorious in their trademark infringement case
against Craig Dieffenbach and his companies. United States District Court
Judge Thomas S. Zilly entered a permanent injunction prohibiting
Dieffenbach, Electric Hendrix Spirits, LLC and others, from using
Experience Hendrix trademarks on their vodka and other products.
The injunction also requires Dieffenbach to demand that all distributors
and licensees immediately withdraw the vodka and other infringing products
from the market and cease all related advertising.
In March 2007, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix filed a lawsuit
charging that Dieffenbach and his companies had infringed on Experience
and Authentic's Jimi Hendrix trademarks in an unauthorized, tasteless
promotion of "Hendrix Electric" brand of vodka. The Complaint alleged
that Dieffenbach intended to deceive the public into believing that the
Jimi Hendrix family companies had authorized this sale of vodka and other
products.
"Since my father founded Experience Hendrix, we have been committed to
preserving Jimi Hendrix's music and artistry," said Janie Hendrix, CEO of
Experience Hendrix. "This illegal use of Experience Hendrix trademarks has
degraded that legacy. We are grateful the Court has permanently enjoined
future infringement of our marks and look forward to recovering the damages
we've incurred from this illegal and tasteless activity."
The trial of Experience Hendrix's multimillion dollar damage claim against
Dieffenbach will begin in February 2009.
About Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix:
Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Authentic Hendrix, LLC, are the family owned
companies entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi
Hendrix. Visit www.jimihendrix.com
for more information.