Matt Nadeau, the owner of a tiny Vermont brewery being sued by the makers of the Monster energy drink for brewing a beer called "Vermonster," has taken his case to the people. He says that trademark attorneys keep telling him the law is with him, but that he should just give up because it will be too expensive to litigate. "This is just about principle," Nadeau told the AP. "Corporate America can't be allowed to do this, in this day and age. It's just not right."
The dispute has arisen because Hansen, the maker of Monster Energy Drink wants to enter the alcoholic beverage market.
Source: http://consumerist.com/2009/10/brewer-sued-by-monster-energy-drink-asks-america-for-help.html
I have seen so many genuine users of trademark giving up just to avoid litigation.Is Might is right work always?
The dispute has arisen because Hansen, the maker of Monster Energy Drink wants to enter the alcoholic beverage market.
Source: http://consumerist.com/2009/10/brewer-sued-by-monster-energy-drink-asks-america-for-help.html
I have seen so many genuine users of trademark giving up just to avoid litigation.Is Might is right work always?
Well, it is true that "Vermonster" and "Monster" are similar and Monster could say that consumers may think "Vermonster" is made my Monster and could create "confusion within the marketplace".
ReplyDeleteMaybe this guy had the rights first. Hansen's may back down. These are often just warnings.
Now, some small business owners are just stupid. I read a story recently about one who opened a sandwich shop named "STEAKWAYS" and was stunned when "SUBWAY" sued him. He lost and he knew damn well people would relate one to the other when he named his business. He even used a similar logo.
A comment by PLATTWORX at http://consumerist.com/2009/10/brewer-sued-by-monster-energy-drink-asks-america-for-help.html