Martial artist and professional boxer Conor McGregor is reportedly embroiled in a trade mark dispute after attempting to launch his own whisky brand.
According to reports, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star has found himself at loggerheads with Carlow Brewing Company, which is attempting to block the reigning lightweight champion from registering a European trade mark for his up-and-coming Notorious whisky brand.
Last month, Mr McGregor, 29, reportedly filed an application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Spain to register the Notorious name as a trade mark for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The action came after the UFC sensation previously announced he would be “taking over” the Irish whisky market following his recent fight with Floyd Mayweather in August.
But Seamus O’Hara, Founder of Carlow Brewing Company, has reportedly hired legal representatives to prevent the marital artist from registering the trade mark.
Mr O’Hara has sent a formal written letter to the boxing star’s company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment, claiming that he will be intervening and actively opposing the plans.
This is largely because Mr O’Hara and his company already own a European trade mark for Notorious in two European Union (EU) drinks categories.
Meanwhile, Carlow Brewing Company has voiced concerns that Mr McGregor’s whisky product could cause confusion with one of its own alcoholic drink products known as Notorious Red IPA.
A spokesperson on behalf of the brewer has confirmed the legal challenge, but has not issued a comment in relation to the ongoing dispute.