Space Ibiza cancels all the remaining events at Eden
In a significant legal development, Space Ibiza has been ordered to cancel all remaining events at Eden nightclub. The court ruling is the latest episode in the ongoing trademark dispute between the Matutes family, owners of Fiesta Hotels & Resorts SL, and Pepe Roselló, the original founder of Space Ibiza.
The Legal Battle Unfolds
The roots of this legal confrontation date back to 1989, when Roselló first leased the iconic Space Ibiza nightclub from the Matutes family. The venue became a global symbol of electronic dance music, attracting partygoers from around the world. However, the relationship soured in 2016 when the Matutes family reclaimed direct management of the property, rebranding it as Hï Ibiza. Despite this, Roselló continued to use the “Space Ibiza” name, leading to a prolonged legal battle over trademark rights.
The latest ruling from the Mercantile Court No. 1 in Valencia has declared that Roselló’s use of the “Space Ibiza” trademark is nearly identical to the “Space Ibiza Dance” logo registered by Fiesta Hotels in 1991. The judge highlighted the “nominative and graphical confusion” between the two logos, citing the similarity in design elements such as the star and sphere motifs. This decision effectively nullifies Roselló’s trademark registration from 2008 and extends to other related trademarks, including “Space Dance Barcelona” and “Space Beach Club.”
Impact on Eden and Future Events
As a result of the ruling, Fiesta Hotels has announced it will seek immediate measures to halt the “Space Ibiza” events that have been taking place every Friday at Eden. The nightclub had been promoting these events as a major draw for its summer season, with the next “Space Ibiza” party originally scheduled for August 9. In response to the court’s decision, Eden has removed all references to the Space Ibiza brand from its website and promotional materials, signaling the end of an era for the club.
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Responses and Reactions
The Matutes family welcomes the ruling, feeling vindicated in their legal pursuit to protect their brand. A spokesperson for Palladium Hotel Group, which encompasses Fiesta Hotels, emphasized their intention to re-launch their own “Space” branded events in the future, now that the court has ruled in their favor.
On the other hand, Roselló has expressed disappointment but remains resolute, stating his intention to appeal the decision. He acknowledged the ruling but stressed that the legal process is far from over. For now, the immediate future of the “Space Ibiza” brand hangs in the balance, with the possibility of further legal developments on the horizon.
Despite the legal setbacks, Eden is expected to continue its vibrant nightlife offerings under different branding, ensuring that the spirit of Ibiza’s legendary club scene lives on, albeit under a new name.
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