MOSCOW, July 4 - RAPSI. The Moscow District Federal Commercial Court has upheld the judgment acknowledging Diageo Ireland's (Diageo) Guinness trademark rights infringement.

On December 28, 2011, the Moscow Commercial Court upheld the lawsuit by Diageo Ireland to invalidate the Da-Link company's importing of Guinness branded beer into Russia. The defendant was prohibited from committing any further actions involving the use of the trademark without the prior consent of its owner. In addition, the defendant was forced to pay 200,000 rubles ($6,202) in compensation.

On May 11, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals validated the trial court's decision.

Diageo was established in 1997, following the merger of Guinness and GrandMet. Its headquarters are based in London. Diageo owns several brands, including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Baileys, J&B, Captain Morgan, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Crown Royal, as well as Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. The company sells its products in 180 countries. Diageo shares are listed on the New York and London stock exchanges.