Winery Sues Local Cat Lady For Infringing On Their Wine's Aroma
TOPPENISH, WA—Wampus Hill, a winery in the Rattlesnake Hills region, is taking legal action against a local cat lady, claiming her odor is infringing on the unique aroma of one of their wines.
“Our winery has a distinct terroir that generates exceptional aromas in Purrfect, our signature Sauvignon Blanc. We’ve poured our lives into our vineyard and we will not stand idle as someone else profits from that tireless effort,” said a winery spokesperson.
While copyright protections for audio and visuals exist, scents and tastes have not yet received the same protection. The food and beverage industry is searching for a landmark case to establish aromatic case law, and Wampus Hill hopes to become the “shoulders that future vineyards can stand upon.”
“Wineries have been far too passive in protecting their intellectual property. It’s time for us to make a stand and pounce on this opportunity. We won’t stop until the courts recognize that this aroma—feline urine in conjunction with toasted acacia—is uniquely ours,” the spokesperson continued.
According to court documents, the winery is seeking damages for lost profits, as well as an injunction to prevent the cat lady from using her aroma in ways that may cause confusion with Purrfect, their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc. The cat lady in question has not been identified and could not be reached for comment. Sources close to her indicate that she’s outraged by the claims and plans to represent herself in the lawsuit.
Following the spokesperson’s statement, workers from Wampus Hill were on hand to deliver tastings to all reporters present, which included hints at future litigation. Besides cat piss, there were aromas of wet dog, sweaty socks, and baby diaper—odors the winery claims are valid and desired in wines across the globe.