This one happens to be AB Inbev vs. Small brewing, but I kind of wonder where this thing is going to stop. Obviously with companies that distribute further, they’re going to be aware and take care of more of those issues. I kind of wish the industry would generate a set of guidelines for what is ok and what isn’t.
What I’m wondering is why everyone has to apply for a mark. Also I did not see in the C&D if 10 barrel actually had a mark or not for Apocalypse. Rename it Hipster A and black out the rest of the word on the cans.
The two industry guidelines merely say don’t infringe someone else’s rights. Trademark infringement is too fact specific to lend itself to specific and simple rules.