⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

Two cigar makers fight over the name Cohiba. General Cigar, an American company, and Cuba's state-owned Cubatabaco both sell cigars using that name. Cubatabaco's application to register its mark in the United States was blocked by General Cigar's existing registrations. It asked the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, or TTAB, to cancel them. The Board agreed under an international trademark treaty because Cubatabaco had earlier protection in Cuba and General Cigar knew of its use. A federal district court upheld that result. General Cigar now appeals. It says the court's judgment violates the Cuban embargo and that earlier litigation prevents Cubatabaco from trying again on the same claim or issue. First, Stanley Panikowski will argue for General Cigar that the embargo bars this court-backed cancellation.

General Cigar Company, Inc. v. Empresa Cubana del Tabaco (No. 25-1645) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, argued September 16, 2026.