I find this extremely disheartening and maddening. Not only is this a total D-head move, but it makes it worse that it’s totally hypocritical. This homebrew shop did not originate the phrase/name “Strange Brew” (see article below):
Here’s my post to their FB page:
Take a hint from some true world-class brewers. Collaboration, Not Litigation.
I can’t believe there’s infighting in a market where you only make up 5% of the market share and face mounting attacks and pressure by the Macro brewers and their lobbyists. You should have known that this dickheadedness is going to spread through beer forums like wildfire and lose you business. It’s also insult to injury that the phrase “Strange Brew” was not even originated by you, AND your exploitation of the dancing bear. For shame!
Tinfoil hat alert! One of the big brewers is behind this:
This really reminds of the whole Monster vs. Vermonster debacle. This current issue reeks of big corporate money. In my humble opinion, besides Northern Brewer, Morebeer, and Midwest Supplies, I don’t think that any other homebrew store has enough money to pay a $500/hour attorney to litigate something where there are no damages and only a small chance at getting attorney’s fees. I think a bigger player is behind this. I say Strange Brewing Co. let the suit happen, go to discovery, and see who’s footing the bill.
The Strange Brew Tavern mentioned in the letter back to the lawyer is in the city I work in and I have never confused the two.
I have heard of Strange Brew homebrew supply since it is somewhat local to me, and wanted to check them out someday, but not going to happen as long as this stuff goes on. I understand wanting to protect your trademark, but this company must think homebrewers and craft beer drinkers are a bunch of knuckle dragging neanderthals if they think we can’t tell the difference.
First rule of the Brewer’s Code, dude…“Don’t be a dick!”
Who was it that said it takes so long to build a reputation, but only takes 5 minutes to destroy it? This homebrew shop guy is doing just that. Live and let live…the names aren’t exactly the same. How absurd, this whole thing is.
. . . my client has generated a massive customer base spanning the entire United States, including well over two dozen active customers throughout Colorado and Metropolitan Denver.
Over two dozen throughout Colorado and Metropolitan Denver?! Business is obviously gangbusters! It’s no wonder they go to such extremes to protect their brand!
These two operate in vastly different geographical regions and in distinct markets. There may be some overlap, but people interested in craft beer know the difference. And having an internet business doesn’t grant you trademark dominance throughout the universe, especially when you’ve only captured a measly 24+ customers in the region where the alleged infringement is occurring.
When I was in law school, I sat in on a summary judgment hearing on a trademark dispute between two restaurants. One was a chain based in D.C., the other here in Minneapolis. The D.C. chain opened a restaurant in the Minneapolis area and began aggressively trying to make the Minneapolis restaurant change its name. The D.C. chain is called Cosi Sandwiches. The Minneapolis establishment was called Kozy’s Steaks and Seafood (eponymously named after the owner, Bob Kozlowski, a longtime restaurant owner in the Twin Cities). Cosi is a casual/fast-food operation that serves sh!tty, overpriced sandwiches served on usually-stale flatbread. Kozy’s is no longer in business, but it was an upscale steaks and seafood joint in a fairly affluent part of town. I’ll never forget what Chief Judge Michael Davis (federal district of Minnesota) said at the end of the oral argument: “Well, gentlemen. I’ve eaten at both establishments, and I’ve got to tell you – I’ve never been confused.”
I’m not so convinced. Reading the attorney’s letter, it sounds more like there was some confusion, particularly with one of their suppliers, that inconvenienced or irritated the owners, and they’re (over)reacting to that situation.
Sad that they didn’t think to try handling it in a more grown-up manner, first.
In the 3 hours it’s been up the KeepStrangeBrewingStrange has surpassed the number of likes of the shop itself.
It looks like the shop just dug its grave… Social media storm in the works.
it sounds like bad advice from lawyers who profit from legal action…
I would hope Strange Brewing Company, Denver Colorado will always take the high road, and if they end up having to change their name, I will still visit (and will never be confused, nor will I ever shop at that other place).
For those of you who haven’t visited, the brewery is off the beaten path (cheap rent), but so worth the visit for both the beer and the great people behind it. They have nice food trucks that frequent the place as well.