Havana and Cuba – Protected Terms?

Perhaps you’ve wondered about the abbreviation "H." as seen on cigars like the San Lotano Oval H.

The reason is straightforward: terms such as "Havanna" or "Havana" and "Kuba" or "Cuba" are protected as geographical indications under trademark law. They can only be used in connection with Cuban products.

There are, however, numerous cigars whose tobaccos originate from the Caribbean island but have been grown in other countries since the revolution. These products are not permitted to be marketed using descriptors that reference Cuba. This includes terms like "Cuban Seed" or "Piloto Cubano," which are off-limits for cigars not produced in Cuba.

The Munich Regional Court upheld a lawsuit filed by the exclusive distributor Habanos S.A.. In its ruling, the court emphasized the exceptional quality of Cuban cigars, attributing it both to the characteristics of Cuban-grown tobacco and the unique manufacturing methods on the island.

Habanos S.A. welcomed the decision, highlighting that tobacco is influenced not just by its seed but also by the way it adapts to climatic conditions and soil composition.

Trademark law may be debatable, but taste is not. We appreciate a fine Cuban cigar just as much as we enjoy cigars from other countries.

Further topics

Factory Codes of Cuban Cigar Factories

Each cigar factory in Cuba has a different code depending on the region. Here you can find the factory codes of the various manufacturers! Weiterlesen →