Dimitri Philippou

Dimitri Philippou, (born 2 February 1966) is a Greek/Cypriot/South African businessman and entrepreneur. is best known (to date) for his winning of a legal battle with Virgin Enterprises. The case involved alleged Trademark infringement and was heard in the Intellectual Property Court in London, which found in favor of Philippou.
Early life
Born to a Greek mother and Cypriot father, Dimitri was raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Both parents growing up in austere circumstances had pioneering entrepreneurship skills that grew the family fortunes once they arrived (separately) in South Africa. This spirit was passed onto Dimitri and his siblings (three brothers and two sisters).
While growing up, Dimitri was exposed to all of the family businesses, often helping out - selling ice-creams and plates for use in Greek Restaurant plate throwing escapades. After his father passed away when he was 18 years old, Dimitri took over the family businesses as well as creating his own.
Career
After studying and obtaining Honors in Marketing and a subsequent MBA, Dimitri went on to specialize in brand, trademark and Intellectual Property development. Dimitri Philippou is also a specialist in business re-engineering and franchising. Taking ailing businesses and turning them into thriving businesses is as natural as breathing. The culmination of the hard work, experience and insights has now given rise to the launch of JogaJoga® a new global super-brand aimed at the mind, soul and pockets of Millennials and Generation X.
Business Journey
Following in his mother’s footsteps, Dimitri started out small in property, purchasing two x Steers franchises and two fish outlets, which he turned around and sold on.
He has now diversified his interests and now focuses on creating his own brands
The first ‘businesses’ he created was to do with nano-technology - the forerunner of the 3D printer - and a hologram technology to which, the patent was denied
Rather than deterring him, this experience fueled his desire to create and the first actual brand he launched was an email hosting service called: Klickety Klick
The second was a brand called: “Let’s Do It” a range of condoms to support a consensual sex awareness campaign, but once again being ahead of his time, the campaign has been put on ice.
Dimitri is an expert at Trademark filing, having created and filed a number over the past few years, including a brand for beer called “Salud”, the Spanish for ‘Cheers’ and Madonna, a range of wine that is bottled and sold in South Africa, (Shiraz and Chardonnay) and an Italian Presecco (bubbles) soon to be imported and added to the collection - Madonna is sold in small owner operated stores but has plans to expand Testament to his tenacity, Dimitri has also fought and won several court battles, including opposition from a German company to his Madonna brand as well as the Ciccone family (Madonna the singer), who also contested the use of the Madonna name. But perhaps the most famous of these was the case he won against Richard Branson who filed a suit against Dimitri for the use of the slogan: “You can’t be a Virgin all your life….it’s time”
The case went to the Intellectual Property (IP) court in London, England who ruled in favor of Philippou - the first person to take on Branson and win
This resulted in a number of interviews including one with an attorney in South Africa who had a differing opinion to that of the IP court and possibly sought to have his own name in lights - while this is not relevant for future profiling purposes, it underlines the victory of right
Another top brand created by the Philippou family is ‘OrganicOrganic®’, a superb quality olive oil made from the olives grown in Greece. Run by his sister now based the UK, it is one of the top sellers in Harrods and renowned for the pureness of its quality and taste and has been awarded a double organic certificate, acknowledging for its low acidity and its prestige as a premium product. There are plans to further extend the range
Anecdotally and a further example of this family’s pioneering spirit, business savvy and understanding of public relations, Grandfather Philippou sent President Truman of the United States, two drums of the finest quality Olive Oil and received a handwritten note of thanks in return
From day one, Dimitri (and his sister in this case), has understood the value of messaging/labeling and packaging the complete communication.
Family
Dimitri is married to American/Greek, Dimitra and has two children. His sister, Maria is the driver behind the successful OrganicOrganic® olive oil brand that is retailed in exclusive retail stores in the United Kingdom, including Harrods.
In the Press
Dimitri Philippou is best known (to date) for his winning of a legal battle with Virgin Enterprises (founder, Sir Richard Branson). The case involved alleged Trademark infringement and was heard in the Intellectual Property Court in London, which found in favor of Philippou.
External Sources
* http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/02/legal-challenge-branson-word-virgin
* http://www.patentbuddy.com/Inventor/Philippou-Dimitri/6868926
* http://www.smh.com.au/world/a-virgin-slips-bransons-grasp-in-a-bad-day-for-grammar-20100203-ndio.html
* http://www.bizcommunity.com/Print.aspx?l196&c82&ct1&ci44385
* https://www.ensafrica.com/Uploads/Images/news/wine%20magazine%20-%20intellectual%20property%20-%20august%202010.pdf
* http://www.intangiblebusiness.com/ip-review/2010/02?page=2

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