Virginia – Fuerte y Libre Cigars Inc. (hereinafter “the Company”) hereby formally announces its rebranding to Fortaleza y Libre Cigars, effective immediately.
This decision follows a previous trademark opposition initiated by Arturo Fuente Cigars in 2022, asserting potential consumer confusion between the brands “Fuerte y Libre” and “Arturo Fuente.” Following extensive negotiations and in pursuit of an amicable resolution, the parties reached a mutual settlement agreement in 2023.
As per the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company has elected to adopt the new brand name “Fortaleza y Libre Cigars,” maintaining alignment with its original ethos and brand vision encapsulated by the phrase “Smoke strong – Live free.”
The Company assures its patrons, stakeholders, and the public that this rebranding reflects its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality products and services while ensuring clarity and distinctiveness in the marketplace.
“While unexpected, the transition to Fortaleza y Libre comes at an ideal time in our evolution. We look forward to sharing our new image with consumers and retailers in 2024 and beyond,” said Greg Free, President of FYL Cigars.
Over the next 12 months, retailers and consumers can expect to see a transition to the new name on products and marketing materials. As new products are released and new boxes and bands are ordered, the new name will assume its rightful place in humidors across the country. Our Instagram and Facebook pages already reflect the rebranding—fortalezaylibre—and the company website will remain the same: www.fylcigars.com.
“As we leap into 2024 with a packed event schedule, I look forward to showing off the new corporate identity along with some exciting new blends. Stay Tuned!” – Greg Free – President
Positive Customer Impact
The wording might change at the top of our logo across all company lines, but consumers and retailers will still find the familiar visual cues that draw their eyes to each line of FYL cigars unchanged. For example, if a customer’s favorite cigar is the Sun Country, they will still find it in a yellow box, with a yellow band and the bull embossed in gold.
“We’ve changed our name but our commitment to sharing our passion with cigar aficionados all over the world will not waiver.” – Greg Free – President
About Fortaleza y Libre Cigars
Founded in 2018, the newly rebranded Fortaleza y Libre Cigars is a Virginia-based company producing Dominican cigars for the U.S. market. The company currently has 8 blends encompassing 20 facings.
For more information on Fortaleza y Libre Cigars: www.fylcigars.com. Fortaleza y Libre Cigars is a registered trademark.
