The Hungarian Fidesz party of right-wing premier Viktor Orban has allegedly proposed a draft law to outlaw ‘totalitarian’ symbols, such as the Nazi swastika or the five-pointed communist star. However, there are reports that the move is a reaction to Heineken winning a trademark dispute earlier this year over a similar slogan with a Romanian brewery.
“Heinekin will always, everywhere and with all means defend what is at its own core since the early days of the company: the Heineken trademark, including its iconic red star,” said a Heineken spokesperson.
The red star first appeared on the logo in the 1930s. Following World War II, Heineken changed the star from red to white to avoid communist associations – however, it was changed back soon after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Heineken maintain that there is ‘no political meaning whatsoever’ behind the image. San Pellegrino is another brand that uses the red star that could also be affected.
