A United States businessman has trademarked the word "Bula".

Ross Kashtan, who runs a kava bar in Florida, has trademarked the word which is a commonly‑used traditional Fijian greeting.

The trademarking can be used to prevent other businesses using the word "Bula" in bars and cafes selling kava and other drinks.

 

 

 

 

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BULA ON THE BEACH is Community Based, Plant Medicine Inspired. ~ Kava is a traditional drink from the South Pacific, primarily from Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa. The drink is made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Kava is known for it’s relaxing effects. ~ If you’ve never had Kava before or you’ve never had our Kava, your 1st Shell (Drink) is on the house! ~ We are located right across the street from the beach, how amazing is that? Volleyball beach time, and sunsets . You need to go check this place out! Very much like a bar, but no alcohol! Drinks made from Mother Earth served in a bar atmosphere! You can bring your laptop (we have WiFi), bring a book , work on a hobby, meet up with a friend or make new one! We are dog friendly, and kid friendly! ~ In addition to KAVA, we serve Awaken Kombucha, CBD Infusion is Kombucha , Mother Kombucha in bottles, Botanical Teas Brewed Daily, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Matcha, Kahwa Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccinos and Loose Leaf Teas from Roots Of the Sun! ~ Come imbibe with the tribe and BULA with us! BULA means to long life and good health! ~ BULA! ~ #bulanation #bulalife #bulatribe #communityvibes #tribelife

A post shared by Bula On The Beach Kava Bar (@bulaonthebeach) on Aug 31, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

Kashtan's move to trademark the Fijian word follows the recent case of an Illinois restaurant chain which trademarked the traditional Hawaiian greeting "aloha".

After sending 'cease and desist' letters to Hawai'i‑based restaurants using 'aloha', Chicago's Aloha Poke Company was accused of appropriating Hawaiian culture.

The US Patent and Trademark office lists 43 companies which have trademarked the word "bula".

16 of the trademarks are listed as "active" and sell products ranging from backpacks and stuffed toys to dietary drinks and healthcare products.  

[Source:RNZ]