US lawyers scupper ‘Coyote’ bar launch
A NEW themed bar due to open in Birmingham has hit the rocks after legal threats from a US law firm representing the world famous Coyote Ugly brand.
‘Coyote’ bar was due to open in Digbeth this month and was to feature female bartenders as depicted in the 2000 film
The venture by businesswoman Victoria Mancini was scheduled to open on Lower Trinity Street but a trademark row has seen the bar launch axed.
Miss Mancini is now looking at other concept bar options.
She told the
“We were contacted from the official Coyote Ugly Saloon attorney in the US and were told that we were infringing on copyright laws.
“We had no idea that the concept was trademarked and we have accepted that the bar can’t open along the lines of our initial concept.
“We’re now working with a consultant and together with Coyote Ugly Saloon, exploring the other options presented to us – one of which is a potential franchise.”
Miss Mancini was contacted by US law firm Pryor Cashman in New York in August.
The firm represents Ugly Inc. which owns the global Coyote Ugly saloon bar brand, including the original bar in New York City which the film is based on.
Miss Mancini said: “We aren’t using the film name
so didn’t have to go through any copyright. “It will be in the style of the
film but there will be a lot more than girls dancing on the bar. We’ve got immersive stuff happening like theatrics, fire breathing and dress-up options for visitors.”
But lawyer Muzamil Huq of Pryor Cashman said: “Coyote Bar Birmingham was not authorised by our client Ugly Inc. to use the trademarks and genre. This clear violation of our client’s well-established and vigorously policed trademark rights.
“Miss Mancini has reassured us that all infringing activities have ceased.”