I May Have to Re-Think the Whole "Monster" Thing
Netherlands brewing company De Molen is importing their Rasputin Stout to America. The folks at North Coast Brewing, who brew Old Rasputin, objected, so de Molen named their beer Disputin.
De Molen put on their new label, "This stout used to be called Rasputin, but the people who make Old Rasputin in California thought you were too dumb to tell the two products apart, and threatened to sue us for trademark infringement." That's the nature of trademarks I suppose. I had an idea for a beer called "Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale." Turns out three other breweries had the same idea. "Hop Juice?" Yep. "Steam Beer?" Yep. "Monster?" Hey! Wait a minnit!
Labels: Beer News
posted by hiikeeba at 08:17
2 Comments:
The difference is that Old Rasputin and Rasputin are both 10% ABV RIS, whereas Monster Energy and Vermonster are not even the same type of beverage.
Although, as long as the Rasputin doesn't come in stubby bottles with a picture of an old man on them, they're probably pretty easy to tell apart.
Can't blame North Coast one bit. And for the new brewery to complain is a bit dishonest. EU laws would seek American wineries from making a bordeaux, unless the grapes actually come from that region. Same for any region-specific name for a product. Same for bleu cheese, which is only made in a certain area.
So, turn about is fair play, assholes.
Post a Comment
<< Home