GBL International has attempted to steal Bacardi-Martini's thunder by brewing up a storm in the fledgling flavoured sparkling wine sector.
Steve Perez, managing director of GBL International (pictured), has attempted to scupper the possible launch of Coomira Coast, a pre-mixed New World chardonnay fruit spritzer from Bacardi-Martini, by accusing the company of breach of trademark.
GBL has been in talks with lawyers and trademark agents and is considering legal action after its sales force spotted the new drink.
GBL claims to have registered the name "VK Coast," a new still version of its premium packaged spirit, which was in development back in November 2002 and according to Mr Perez, Bacardi registered the name Coomira Coast eight days later.
"It seems like an amazing coincidence to me that two rival companies should come up with such similar names in such a short space of time," he said.
"If it's not a coincidence then you start to wonder if information is being leaked. We registered the name first and our lawyers are looking into it. They did ask me how much money I have because Bacardi has got expensive lawyers and deep pockets."
In response to Mr Perez's claims, Bacardi-Martini issued a statement saying that it had never heard of VK Coast and that normal trademark checks are part of the procedure when launching any new product.
It also confirmed that Coomira Coast, available in a 275ml single serve-bottle, is currently being tested in a number of on-trade outlets.
Should the trial be successful, it is thought Coomira Coast will go head-to-head with GBL International's Cavela, a range of flavoured sparkling wines designed to reinvigorate the ready-to-drink sector.
"We welcome Bacardi entering a sector which we started but I just wish it wouldn't nick our name," added Mr Perez.
"What we see in the on-trade is that Bacardi Breezer is feeling the pinch following the tax increase, as we all are, and it is obviously thinking of looking at wine-based coolers for the future."