SCENT FIRM’S SEARCH.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1927, Page 1

SCENT FIRM’S SEARCH.

VIENNA, Nov. 20. For 40 years there has been a conflict

betAveeu the eau-de-Cologne firm of Johann Maria Farina, Julich Plata 4, in Cologne (known as “the original”) and a firm with the same name “opposite the Rudolfs-Platz.” Hoav the opposition firm came into existence aa'us related to the Court of Appeal in Vienna in a case brought by tho original Cologne firm against the Vienna 'branch of the second firm, for tho older firm wants either the prohibition of the use of tho name by the opposition or the abandonment of the description “opposite the RudolfsPlatz.” or both. In 1886, it AA-as stated, tAvo Cologne business men, Anton Peiser and Simon Hecht, founded an eau-de-Cologne factory in oposition to that already Avorldfamed. They searched Italy for a man AA-itli a legal right to the name of Johann Maria Farina, and found him in Gorgonzola—in Lombardy—where the cheese comes from. He took £3O for the use of his name and Avent to Cologne for two years. He then returned to Gorgonzola Avith a life pension of £5 a month. Branches of the new firm were opened in Berlin and Vienna. By 1908 only the Vienna branch remained and is still here. A couple named Kofler bought it in that year. The “opposite the Rudolfs-Platz” Cologne headquarters of the opposition also vanished. The final decision of the Appeal Court here is that for 36 years the Vienna firm “Johann Maria Farina, opposite the Rudolfs-Platz,” has been registered here and has established rights of its own accordingly. Also the description should be retained, as the best way of distinguishing the younger firm. The Vienna firm _is therefore authorised to go on doing business as hitherto,