As we have posted in earlier Acemark News, the Anti Buddha Bar Forum (FABB) succeeded to force the DGIPO to cancel registration of the trademark Buddha Bar No. IDM00018981 covering services in class 43 in the name of George V Restouration, the licensor, on April 15, 2009. However, even though the business no longer has trademark rights, it kept on running under confidence of the licensee, PT. Nireta Vista Creative because the business permit is still valid.

The persistent attitude of NVC made FABB lodge a lawsuit on January 8, 2010 against NVC, the Governor of Jakarta (Fauzi Bowo), and Jakarta Tourism Agency, claiming damage of Rp. 500 million ($55,500), closure of Buddha Bar, and revocation of Business permit. In recent decision No. 09/PDT.G/2010/PN.JKT-PST dated September 1, 2010, the District Court of Central Jakarta ordered that not only Buddha Bar must be closed down immediately, but also ordered the defendants to pay damage totaling Rp. 1 billion ($111,000) to the plaintiff.

In granting the claim, the Court considered that NVC, the governor of Jakarta (Fauzi Bowo), and Jakarta Tourism Agency had been found to do unlawful act in regard to the establishment of Buddha Bar, while the provisions concerning operation of restaurant business in Jakarta (Pergub DKI Jakarta No. 20 tahun 2006) clearly regulates that: “every operation of restaurant business MUST prevent social impact detrimental to the society�. Nevertheless, despite protests and objections, Jakarta Tourism Agency and the Governor of Jakarta (Fauzi Bowo) issued the Business permit on November 12, 2008, generating high concern from societies not only the Buddhists society but also the late president of Republic of Indonesia, KH Abdurrahman Wahid, and several other prominent individuals. The lawyers of NVC have declared their clients' intention to appeal before the High Court. However, until this news is posted, there is no information about it.

Meanwhile from our observation, it is likely that the sky will be clear above Buddha Bar soon. The restaurant makeover is under way for NVC has changed the name into “Bistro Boulevard�. All religious statues and ornaments also have been removed from the restaurant. The restaurant with new name and face will soon be operating by next month.