Quote:
Holystone Distilling in Murray is one of nearly 100 U.S. companies — from small breweries and bars to restaurants and pizza joints — that have been targeted by Stone Brewing Co. for unauthorized use of its trademark.
Earlier this year, the California-based beermaker began issuing trademark cancellation requests against companies that use “stone” for alcohol-related business and products. Stone Brewing, which holds the trademark for its Arrogant Bastard Ales, also is targeting companies that use the word “bastard.”
....
Notably absent from the list, said DeShazo, is Firestone Walker, the 5th largest craft brewery in the country.
DeShazo believes the catalyst for the aggressive legal actions is a larger billion-dollar lawsuit Stone Brewing has against MillerCoors, the makers of Keystone beer.
In February of 2018, Stone Brewing filed suit after MillerCoors tried to rebrand its Colorado Rockies-themed “Keystone” beer as “STONE.” A trial is set for October 2020, where Stone seeks to recover what is says is billions in lost sales because of the infringement.
MillerCoors has countered that the lawsuit is flawed, since Stone Brewing has not gone after dozens of other craft breweries with stone in their name.
Going after these other entities, said DeShazo “bolsters their case” the next time Stone Brewing goes before a judge.
“What it means in the real world,” said DeShazo, “is that people have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to protect their business.”
And, added Barbie, “most of them don’t have it and are going to go under.”
There’s a bit of irony in this David and Goliath story, said Mike DeShazo.
Stone Brewing once was “the little guy taking on the big man,” he said. “Now it is hurting small businesses for no particular gain.”