Troeg's Brewing Company is suing Fegley's Allentown BrewWorks over an elf. Fegley's brews Rude Elf's Reserve. Troeg's Winter seasonal is Mad Elf. Troeg's is calling dibs. It should be noted that Fegley's Rude Elf's Reserve previous name was "Rudolph's Reserve".
I think the two breweries should skip the legal BS and collaborate on a special release for Winter. The folks at Avery Brewing Company and Russian River Brewing Company made it work. The two breweries realized that they each had a beer in their line up with the word "salvation" in the name. In 2006 they released a blend of the two brews in to one super beer. Collaboration Not Litigation Ale showcases the work of both breweries. It's a Belgian Strong Dark Ale that packs 8.72% ABV currently holding a "B+" average over at BeerAdvocate.com
So, is Troeg's really just admiring the stellar work of their competitor and attempting to force a collaboration?
You obviously know who I am rooting for in this case. I do think it is funny how "Troegs claims they own the rights to the word elf and the image of an elf in relation to all beer, ales and lager," But Brew Works has a trademark on Rude Elf's Reserve, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The BrewWorks has being brewing this beer for years now, but not until now have they received a complaint of the name. I think it is because that the BrewWorks is quickly becoming a big competitor to Troegs and they are feeling the heat.
ReplyDeleteGood points all around, Frank. I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteHere is the BrewWorks official statement.....http://www.thebrewworks.com/news/rude-elfs-reserve-trademark-press-release/
ReplyDeleteAre Troeg's custumers that stupid that they see the word elf and don't one from the other?
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