In a ruling by the Ravenna Court in Italy, a Cuban couple was sentenced to four months in prison and fined 3,000 euros for illegally using the name and image of esteemed Neapolitan chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, who holds nine Michelin stars across his various restaurants. This verdict followed investigations revealing that the defendants, operators of the restaurant-pizzeria Saporetti in Marina di Ravenna, used the chef's name to promote their establishment from September to December 2019.
The case came to light when a fan of Cannavacciuolo posted on Facebook about a menu bearing his name during the reopening of the restaurant. Additionally, a mobile billboard featuring the chef's photo was discovered, which he described as "completely unjustified" in his courtroom testimony.
Saporetti, once a culinary hotspot in Ravenna attracting figures like Italian businessman Raúl Gardini, reopened under the Cuban couple's management, using promotional tactics linked to Cannavacciuolo's image. The accused claimed the chef's name usage was valid since the Cuban woman involved had participated in the 2016 Italian version of Kitchen Nightmares, hosted by Cannavacciuolo.
However, the chef refuted any authorization for the use of his name or image, registered as a trademark since 2017. "I have no affiliation with that restaurant, and I did not give permission for the use of my name or photo," Cannavacciuolo stated during the trial, as reported by the Italian media. Following the report, the chef instructed his secretary to call the restaurant posing as a prospective customer. This recorded conversation confirmed that the staff claimed the menu was crafted by Cannavacciuolo, bolstering the allegations of misuse.
The trial also involved an administrator from Brescia working with the couple, who was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The defense, led by attorney Massimo Pleiadi, argued that the name usage was misunderstood but failed to prevent the conviction.
Currently, the couple manages a restaurant in Reggio Emilia, located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, and they have declared their intention to appeal the decision.
Implications of Using a Chef's Name Without Permission
What were the charges against the Cuban couple?
The Cuban couple was charged with unauthorized use of the name and image of chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo to promote their restaurant.
How did the case against the couple come to public attention?
The case emerged after a fan of Cannavacciuolo reported on Facebook about a menu with his name at the restaurant's reopening.
What was the couple's defense argument?
The defense argued that the use of Cannavacciuolo's name was misunderstood, as the Cuban woman involved had appeared on his TV show.