Bells is at it again

[Matt F]

Bells is treading on just not being cool anymore. I hate to see this trend continue but likely the direction brewing is headed in the future. More and more breweries are becoming more financially driven than in the past. I hope we can continue to enjoy collaberation, not litigation in the future.

http://thedrinknation.com/articles/read ... wsuit-Feud

[fargo41]

So I don't really fault Bell's here. It comes down this quote from their social media page

"We have not, and are not asking them to change their name or their logo. There is no lawsuit. We are not suing them. We have not asked them for money. We have not asked them to stop selling their beer. We are asking them to withdraw their federal trademark application."

It also sounds like Bell's tried to sit down with Innovation but Innovation didn't want to come to an agreement. More details here:
http://bellsbeer.com/blog/314-Letter_fr ... rk_dispute

[Matt F]

I don't know who is right or wrong. But this is not a first occurence for Bell's. It got their handles removed at bars in Ashville too. I would be more likely not to bat an eye if this wasn't becoming a regular occurance for them. The Bell's statement on their website is of concern because it sounds like the crap attornies at my office come up with to try to make us look like the good guy even if they represent the big evil corporation.

I still buy Bell's products, so I don't hate them. Just pointing out the big friendly craft beer community is becoming increasingly like traditional maturing businesses. Greed will become a growing theme in craft beer in the future. Which sucks. It was something special. Enjoy it while you can.

[tony b]

Agree, too many lawsuits popping up between "brother" brewers! It's just wrong.

My 2 cents - Bells had the chance to copyright their slogan, but didn't. Silly mistake on their part. Now, they just look stupid in a David vs Goliath battle. All Innovation wants to do is protect their brewery's name, a sound business practice. It's abundantly clear that Innovation wasn't looking to step on Bells in any way, until like Matt said, the lawyers got involved. Hats off to Innovation for not rolling over and standing up to the bully!

[fargo41]

Yeah Matt the trend is worrisome. Hadn't really thought about it from that aspect.

[carrisr]

Despite Bell's stated purpose here it's still bullying. They've been getting more and more dickish in recent years. Good thing there's lots of other great brands available now.