When it comes to the naming of a popular Mexican beer, Corona, you may be curious as to why it is called “Coronita” in Spain. While the addition of the diminutive suffix -ita or -ito is a common practice in Spanish to refer to a smaller version of something, such as a small beer or a little dog, there is actually a more interesting reason behind the name change in Spain.
One must dig into the history of trademark disputes to truly understand why Corona became Coronita in Spain. It was a matter of legalities and intellectual property rights that prevented the use of the name “Corona” in Spain for several years. This legal hurdle was finally resolved in 2016, allowing the brand to use its original name across the country without any modifications.
The origins of the trademark dispute can be traced back to the early years of the Corona brand’s expansion. As the popularity of Corona beer grew, so did the need to protect its name and identity. The trademark for “Corona” was registered in Mexico and many other countries, including Spain. However, in Spain, the name was already registered by a local company, leading to the need for a different name to be used in that specific market.
Therefore, to navigate the legal complexities, the brand opted to use the name “Coronita” in Spain. The addition of the suffix -ita, meaning “little” or “small” in Spanish, was a clever way to maintain a connection to the original name while differentiating it enough to avoid trademark conflicts. This decision allowed the brand to continue its presence in Spain without having to completely rebrand or face any legal issues.
For years, Spanish consumers referred to the popular Mexican beer as Coronita, fully aware that it was essentially the same beer as Corona. This slight alteration in name became a unique identifier for the brand among Spanish beer enthusiasts. It added a touch of familiarity and a sense of exclusivity, as if Coronita was a special edition available only in Spain.
However, the situation changed in 2016 when the trademark dispute was ultimately resolved. The legal barriers were lifted, and the brand was finally able to use the name Corona in Spain, aligning it with the international name used across the globe. This move allowed for consistency in branding and reinforced the global recognition of the Corona beer name.
So, while the addition of the diminutive suffix -ita is a common practice in Spanish to refer to a smaller version of something, the use of “Coronita” in Spain was primarily a result of a trademark dispute that prevented the use of the name Corona. It was a strategic decision that allowed the brand to maintain its presence in the Spanish market while navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights.
Today, whether you order a Corona or a Coronita in Spain, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of this iconic Mexican beer. The name may have changed, but the essence and quality of the product remain the same.
