Just in:

[Source: the UK Intellectual Property Office's website - posted May 5, 2026]

For those still interested in the Gallo'way business shenanigans, this is the current status of the Galloway Spirits word trademark application to His Majesty's Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

And this is, in a nutshell, the official timeline of the case:

A preliminary procedure, the Notice of Threatened Opposition, has been launched by the, as of yet, unofficially designated Opponent on March 9, 2026, just a bit over a month after the publication of the application in the UK Trade Marks Journal:

[Source: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/t-tmj/tm-journals/2026-006/index.html]

The above publication, on February 6, 2026, opened a two months legal delay for the preliminary opposition document (the TM7a form) to be sent, extending the delay for sending the formal opposition document by one extra month. Which is to say, until May 6, 2026.

One day before this extended delay expired, on May 5, 2026 (yesterday), the application was opposed by way of a TM7G form, stating various grounds for opposition, such as homonymy, earlier rights or earlier mark conflict, etc.

Now, where did we already see this happening, before?

Oh, that's right:

[Source: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/811712190640013312/first-they-laugh-then-they-copy?source=share - posted March 21, 2026]

I could be wrong, but I would be very surprised to be so, in assuming this new opposition to the trademark registration on the UK market was filed by the same old, same old nemesis: E&J Gallo Winery.

What is next?

Depending on what the opponent requested, there might be a seven to sixteen months cooling period granted, for the two parties to settle this out of court (which, in this case, is also HM's IPO). Failure to do so and if no cooling period is decided upon, both parties must submit their own arguments for the case to either be heard or decided upon (based on the papers submitted) by the IPO, acting as a Tribunal.

Pretty much standard, pretty much tedious, costly and risky.

Oh, the irony of this news hitting our screens the very next day after the pompous and inexplicable launch of the 'Nach Spirits - Special Edition, in Germany.

I am still scratching my head as to how they did it, and while the intent is obvious (slash the Sasse contentious letters), I couldn't for the life of me find another application for that pesky 'Nach, at the EUIPO.

But again, I could be wrong and stand corrected.

The Bartender walked into the Bar. On the door was a note.

I hear there is unrest among the natives.  I assure you it is not a concern to most other than the mere fact that no one should judge people they do not know.  We are pleased to support your choices and trust that there is a greater good. The Spirits, yourself and your Galloway efforts are most intertwined. We are witnessing an advocacy of a region that has great potential. 

Entanglement with the Outlander franchise is becoming less evident. A great idea at first but we can see your Mission is greater than that.  MPC reaches across continents and builds on the sense of connection and wellness so very needed.  Galloway is a magical land that is greater than a book and film franchise. It simply awaits development and discovery.

Love and building a family are an even bigger goal. You have every reason to be successful in your efforts.  Leave the naysayers and the cynical nutters in the dust, my friend. They only reflect myopic views and projected self-interest.

Protect those you love and carry on. You are a beam of light to many and your partner reflects a loving spirit.

Life is messy and you have long since crossed into public domain. Embrace it and then shelter your world as there is a greater good in the journey. Life as you know is very short.  Social media means very little in the grand scheme.

Have fun and keep faith.  Ups and downs are what happens to all of us.  I have no doubt you both have resilient spirits. Trust the voices closest to you.  The universe is on your side.

You benefit from the simple process of acting and the fandom is ancillary. It can be gone in a flash, yet the process is the key. You do need an audience. The world is a big place and when one door closes a window opens.  No need to look far my friend.

Obsessions are their own chasm of sadness. You are right to ignore them as the depth of the obstacle of trying to please everyone is just too deep.

Life is a journey and it is so very good for you to have someone to share it with. It is not a movie for the audience to determine their agreement or discontent.

Outlander is a force of its own. It will endure time and may feel like it never ends. The young will find it all over again. Film does not disappear. It is well worth moving forward and quite expected to move to new projects and to develop your own haven of happiness with whomever you choose.

Carry on and know that the vast majority are cheering you forward.  The universe is aligned to embrace you both.

Bravo.

Your humble servant,

I’ve been thinking about your hints and I think I’m about to be crushed even more. I think that letter in the Jamie Fraser box is a farewell letter and he’s going to rename his brand. I’m more afraid it’s going to have something to do with the whole circus.

Dear Afraid to Dig Anon,

Good morning, it's been a gruesome week, but I am taking the time to clearly answer you.

The 2021 (and confirmed through appeal in 2023) EUIPO court ruling essentially makes it next to impossible to sell his booze in the European Union under the Sassenach trademark. Thus, a renaming was in order if he wanted to make money and simply exist on that particular market.

A solution seems to have been explored, probably naming it Lallybroch Spirits, by October 2023 (see my post: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/730746701530431488/labor-of-love - posted October 10, 2023), but as of today nothing has ever happened next with that particular application for trademark.

Galloway Spirits seemed to be a good trademark compromise. Whether this will work is still to be determined and the odds are not exactly favorable, right now. Make your research. I promise it will take less than one minute to uncover the most obvious part of the current predicament. A very complex issue, indeed and still ongoing - again, it would be unprofessional of me to insist.

For all the other Anons who came insisting on my virtual doorstep - this is the only answer you will get from me at the moment. I do not respond well to pressure, as you know, and I am not putting my reputation at stake for the sake of childish curiosity.

Beyond this, Anon, I would simply question my parasocial involvement into this, if I were you. I am sure there are many other things out there that could elicit your personal dedication in a more satisfactory way, than a bottle of quite expensive whisky.

And make no mistake. He will cling on to JAMMF for as long as he lives, probably. His choice, not my problem.