Actor's Name Used for Pisco Brand Sparks Lawsuit

A Chilean pisco brand, named Pedro Piscal, has ignited a legal battle with actor Pedro Pascal. The brand's creator, David Herrera, registered the name in 2023 and commenced sales of the spirit. Soon after, he received strong legal correspondence from lawyers representing the actor.

Herrera, a 41-year-old entrepreneur, stated that the name 'Pedro Piscal' was chosen after exploring other options. He expressed surprise at receiving legal notices from a prominent actor, which initially caused him apprehension.

Pascal, who was born in Chile and holds significant popularity in his home country, has initiated legal proceedings to gain control over the brand name due to its resemblance to his own. This case is not the first instance of a Chilean business facing legal action from a Hollywood figure over a similar name.

Previously, a honey business named Miel Gibson successfully defended its right to use the name after being sued by the actor. Similarly, a bakery known as Superpan, which had operated for three decades, won a legal dispute against DC Comics. Another establishment, Star Wash, a car wash service employing Star Wars themes, is currently awaiting a ruling in a separate case that could necessitate a name change.

Herrera maintains that his brand does not utilize Pascal's likeness and focuses solely on product quality. He explained that 'Piscal' is a play on words, referencing the 'pisco' spirit and the 'pedro ximénez' grape, while also being a nickname for a 'piscola' (pisco and Coca-Cola). The actor's legal team remains optimistic, citing initial domain ownership transfers and trademark successes as favorable indicators for a resolution expected by the end of the year.