VQA and ICEWINE Trademarks Transfer to the Canadian Vintners Association

OTTAWA, ON, April 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) and Vintners Quality Alliance of Canada (VQAC) Boards of Directors are very pleased to announce that the ownership of all VQAC intellectual property assets and registered trademarks, including   "VQA" and "Icewine", have been legally transferred from VQAC to the CVA, effective March 31, 2014.

"We are very pleased with the decision by the VQAC to recognize the CVA as the organization best positioned to protect the VQA and Icewine trademarks in Canada and abroad," said Tony Stewart, President of Quails' Gate Winery in British Columbia and CVA Chair.  "Over the past decade, the CVA has dedicated significant internal and financial resources to protect VQAC intellectual property and the integrity of Canadian wine."

Over the years, CVA has registered the VQA trademark and design in key export markets around the world, and the CVA will continue to ensure that the mark continues to be used only in association with Canadian wines of origin made from premium 100% Canadian grown grapes.  All VQAC non-enforcement agreements in Ontario and British Columbia will be assumed by the CVA.  

For full statement, visit www.canadianvintners.com.