His description of some of his products as "Spanish champagne" provoked the ire of both the makers of genuine champagne and its London importers; he was unsuccessfully prosecuted for trading under a false description, but they won a civil action against him for "passing off", i.e.
A businessman's description of some of his goods as "Spanish champagne" sparked the ire of both the genuine champagne makers and its London importers; he was unsuccessful in avoiding prosecution for making false claims about his products, but they won a civil case against him for misrepresenting his merchandise.