Christchurch Coffee Company - a clash of symbols

A Christchurch Coffee Company has caused some confusion - it's logo is almost identical to that of the Orthodox Union's symbol of Kashrut.

The "OU" Symbol is almost universally sought by Kosher travellers as a sign that food is produced to the standards of Kashrut.  But make no mistake, this is not a religious symbol, this is the symbol of a business. 

I feel some sympathy to the coffee company.  The Jewish community is virtually non-existent in Christchurch, and they probably had no idea that this was a registered trademark.  But ignorance is not really a defence - imagine if they used the Golden Arches, for example.

I'm sure that common sense can prevail, and Underground Coffee could modify their logo - perhaps to add Serif marks, or a "G" that makes it different enough to be easily distinguished.

More information listed here at Fairfax.  It's clear that damages are not being sought, but OU is a worldwide trademark.  If Underground started producing Coffee for supermarkets, or exporting, then this could be a major headache for consumers.

NZ ban on Kosher meat overturned

Hooray!  Finally common sense - the New Zealand ban on Kosher meat has been overturned

I was sick of telling my Mum that she was a criminal every time she ate in our house.

For the record, Shechita is no more or less cruel than stunning.  Stunning fails in approximately 9% of the time.  Veganism is obviously less cruel to animals, but if you allow eating meat, then Shechita is no more or less cruel.

SAFE ran a terrible campaign, with lots of misinformation.  Usually a good organisation, but this time they got it wrong.