A claim by energy drink giants Red Bull that an Italian winemaker pinched their logo has been slung out by copyright officials in Italy.

The USD 18 billion Austrian drinks firm had claimed that the image of bulls clashing horns on the label of Mattia Muggittu’s wine was too close to their own tin graphics.

Their claim accused the wine expert of “disloyal competition” after Mattia registered his logo with the Sardinian patent office.

But a commission from Italy’s Ministry of Industry has rejected the case after hearing that the beasts on the wine label are oxen and not bulls.

Mattia told the commission that the traditional vineyards of Sardinia’s Mamoiada region still use oxen in their production method.

Delighted Mattia told local media: “Today David won against Goliath. I’m happy about this decision, which proved us right.

“The logo is an expression of our history, as we claimed from the beginning.”

His lawyer Mauro Intagliata explained: “This decision is a victory for Mattia and all of Sardinia and not only that.

“It is a resounding victory of the thousand-year-old traditions of Sardinia against the arrogance of economic power.”

Mattia added: “We have by no means imitated Red Bull’s logo. Our wine etiquette pays homage to the winemaking traditions of Mamoiada.

“You don’t see bulls on it, but rather oxen, which are a symbol of our viticulture. Because we still plough with oxen.”