Messages

1

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Simpsons Legal Battle Over Duff Beer- Simpsons' Vs. Colombian Brothers

« on: August 30, 2012, 07:44:18 PM »

A someone who made a living (kind of) for 30 years by writing, copyrighting, and selling music, I have to say I heartily agree with Al.  I know that he's involved in the arts, too, so we both have a first hand interest in cases like this.

Does anyone know if copyright/ patent issues change much across different fields?  For example, is fighting copyright infringement extensively different for an musician/artist vs. a software programmer?

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Simpsons Legal Battle Over Duff Beer- Simpsons' Vs. Colombian Brothers

« on: August 28, 2012, 01:30:25 PM »

Which would be trademark, not copyright.  Technically characters can't be copyright, so why would a beer?

That of course leaves trade dress, which is to say that the product looks like another product to confuse consumers.  This is Apple's argument, by the way:  Samsung's Galaxy phone and tablet are "intended to look like an iPhone and iPad, confusing consumers seeking to purchase an Apple product such that they instead purchase a Samsung product."  So we have the question:  Will consumers be confused into thinking Fox is selling Duff beer?  Will consumers be confused into purchasing this Duff beer over a competing Fox product?

Basically if there's not a trademark on Duff, won't happen.

Samsung seems to have lost their case with Apple right now. I'm wondering if the Apple Samsung verdict will have any influence on this situation.  As far as consumer confusion goes; I could definitely see some people assuming that Fox is selling the beer under a subsidiary company.

3

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: White House Brew Recipe

« on: August 25, 2012, 09:54:13 PM »

Get the word out. I think it's less about the recipe as it is an opportunity to show that we brewers have a strong voice.

I'm not sure if I can sign. I'm not a citizen, but I created an account. Let's see how far I get until I see a note that only citizens can sign.

Kai

Signed it. I agree, this is a great opportunity to show that brewers are have a strong voice, and are an active in the political process. Also, it would be fun to try the presidential brew.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Simpsons Legal Battle Over Duff Beer- Simpsons' Vs. Colombian Brothers

« on: August 25, 2012, 09:43:35 PM »

I agree. To me, as a someone who has no background in legal matters, this is a flagrant copyright violation. The breweries are using a brand developed by someone else to sell their beer.

Absolutely right.  They haven't got a prayer... the product may have been birthed in a fictional world, but the name and concept is the intellectual property of 20th Fox and provable as such, and these guys stole it plain and simple.  After 20+ years on the air (the longest running sitcom in broadcast history), "The Simpsons" is an international brand in and of  itself, which these clowns are blatantly trading on.

As to what the courts in Columbia will have to say about it...well, THAT should be interesting to watch. 
But the brothers will most probably lose...and frankly,  they deserve to.

+1

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Simpsons Legal Battle Over Duff Beer- Simpsons' Vs. Colombian Brothers

« on: August 24, 2012, 01:40:37 PM »

I don't think they have much chance of winning the case myself.  They did try to change the name to "DUH" beer, so that they could still make it look like "Duff" with directly using the same name.  Either way I think they're screwed.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Simpsons Legal Battle Over Duff Beer- Simpsons' Vs. Colombian Brothers

« on: August 24, 2012, 12:47:05 PM »

      I've always been a huge fan of the Simpsons, and the Duffman was specifically one of my favorite characters.  Over the years, I have collected a bunch of Duff merchandise, and even dressed liked Duffman for Halloween one year.  So, when I saw this news story I couldn't resist talking about it to my blog.  It seems that two Colombian brothers (Alvaro and Oscar Ballesteros) have copied the logo and image of the fictitious brand, and starting selling the product without the consent of 20th Century Fox.  This has led to a legal battle over copy right infringement, and the right to sell the product.  The Ballesteros argue that it is not copyright infringement if it only existed in the fictional/cartoon world.  This case should be interesting to watch, and see if what side the courts take on this case.

Salud,

      Nick Filipow Website www.nickfilipow.blogspot.com
 



Image Source-http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/14/62/56/3353502/3/960x595.jpg

7

General Homebrew Discussion / Wisconsin Homebrewing law.

« on: June 22, 2012, 09:08:04 AM »

I recently heard about the Wisconsin passing the law allow homebrewers to transport their brew outside their house.  I know there are other states that still have strict homebrew laws, but I'm not aware of the specifics.  Does anyone have any insight into which state laws to research, and/or help advocate.

8

The Pub / Re: song title game

« on: June 01, 2012, 01:49:20 PM »

Mad World_Tears For Fears

Although Micheal Andrews and Gary Jules did a much better version of the song if you me.

9

The Pub / Re: song title game

« on: June 01, 2012, 11:56:44 AM »

Sky Is Falling-  Blackalicious

10

The Pub / Re: song title game

« on: June 01, 2012, 09:45:48 AM »

I could only think of one song with using the word "the".
Off the map- Alkaline Trio

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The Pub / Re: I - Charlie Papazian Offering Craft of Beer & Brewing Course

« on: February 15, 2012, 03:34:28 PM »

I'm going be very jealous of whoever get to go. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enought sit in on your class.

12

The Pub / Re: What's the Weather Like Where You Are?

« on: February 15, 2012, 03:27:51 PM »

Ohio's weather is awful as usual. 

13

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Using brewer's best conditioning tablets.

« on: February 14, 2012, 07:03:56 AM »

That worked for me.

Thanks Denny.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Using brewer's best conditioning tablets.

« on: February 13, 2012, 12:01:29 PM »

Looks like I might be in trouble for this competition.   At least I'm doing an English mild, so low carbonation is expected.  Would shaking the bottles a couple times a days help the yeast break them down faster?

15

General Homebrew Discussion / Using brewer's best conditioning tablets.

« on: February 13, 2012, 09:36:32 AM »

I used these for the first time last night on an English mild, and I sure they will work great.  However, the package didn't explain anything beyond the number to use for a desired carbonation level. (I used 3 per 12 oz bottle to get mild carbonation)  Is there a general rule of thumb when using these?  I didn't know whether it would be better to crush them first, shake the bottles a bit, or just leave them to break down naturally.  I'm interested to hear other people's opinions on this topic, and if it helps I have about 12 days for the to bottle condtion before an upcoming competition.