Pepe Roselló’s Space Ibiza trademark annulled in court ruling.

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The Commercial Court number 1 of Valencia has ruled in favor of Fiesta Hotels & Resorts SL, owned by the Matutes family, in a legal dispute with Pepe Roselló, the founder of Space Ibiza, regarding the use of the “Space” trademark. The ruling, dated June 28, annuls Roselló’s registration of the “Space Ibiza” trademark from 2008, citing “nominative and graphic” confusion with the earlier trademark “Space Ibiza Dance,” registered by Fiesta Hotels in 1991. This decision also affects several related brands, including Space Dance Barcelona, Space Dance Madrid, Space Beach Club, and Space Club.

Following the court’s ruling, Palladium Hotel Group, which owns Fiesta Hotels & Resorts, has indicated that it will seek precautionary measures to end the current Space Ibiza parties held at the Eden nightclub every Friday. The court’s decision is viewed as a significant progression in the protracted legal battle between Roselló and the Matutes family. Roselló originally rented the Space nightclub from Matutes in 1989 and managed it until 2016, when the management returned to the Matutes family. The original Space venue has since been converted into the Hï nightclub, while Roselló continues to operate events under the Space Ibiza brand in various locations across Europe.

The court’s arguments emphasized the phonetic and graphic similarities between “Space Ibiza Dance” and “Space Ibiza,” noting that the logos’ spelling and design elements, including the iconic star and sphere, are nearly identical. The ruling concludes that the trademarks are practically indistinguishable, allowing for the application of article 34-2-b of the Trademark Law, which protects registered trademarks against unauthorized use that could lead to public confusion.

Reactions to the ruling have been mixed. Palladium Group expressed satisfaction and a sense of legitimacy to hold their own “Space parties” using their logo. Conversely, Roselló stated that he respects the ruling but intends to appeal, affirming that the decision only affects the “Space Ibiza” brand within Spain and does not impact other brands registered in different countries, including their recent opening in Riccione, Italy.

This ruling adds a new chapter to the ongoing conflict over the management and branding of Space Ibiza, highlighting the complexities surrounding trademark law and brand identity in the competitive nightlife industry.

https://djmag.com/news/pepe-rosellos-space-ibiza-trademark-annulled-court-ruling-favouring-matutes-family