Ruling reserved in Guinness case

The High Court has reserved judgment on a challenge by Guinness Ireland Group Ltd to the use of the name "Kilkenny" by another…

The High Court has reserved judgment on a challenge by Guinness Ireland Group Ltd to the use of the name "Kilkenny" by another brewing company.

Ms Justice Laffoy will deliver her decision next Wednesday in the action by Guinness Ireland Group Ltd and E. Smithwick & Sons, of Kilkenny (which was bought by Guinness in 1965), against the Kilkenny Brewing Co Ltd.

Both plaintiffs claim they have acquired a substantial goodwill in the name "Kilkenny" in relation to brewing beer and object to the use of that name by the defendant.

The directors of Kilkenny Brewing Co Ltd, with registered offices at Adelaide Road, Dublin, deny that the company's name could jeopardise the businesses of Guinness or Smithwick.

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The court heard that Kilkenny Brewing has not engaged in business since its incorporation in December 1995.