Bell's files lawsuit against Innovation - AKA suck it Bell's

[MDixon]

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2015/03/10/small-wnc-brewery-big-trademark-dispute/24715493/

I was very excited when Bell's first came to North Carolina and hit the shelves. As far as I am concerned now they can go away. Bell's owes Innovation an apology.

[HoosierBrew]

Pretty disappointing and lame on Bell's part. Not seeing a real basis here, other than a small brewery has to spend $ it doesn't have to defend itself. Probably the point.

[Stevie]

That sucks. I have said it before, I am willing to be this action is on the advice of the lawyers, not the brewery.

[flbrewer]

Came here thinking "once I read this article there will be a legitimate reason Bell's is suing"...was sadly really wrong. Awful stuff for the industry.

[hopfenundmalz]

Bell's has been on the receiving end of trademark disputes, and they have since been vigilant about defending a trademark. This however makes me wonder what they are defending, and why? No trademark on the advertising, and I can't remember seeing that one in a while.

[dls5492]

I wonder if we got the whole story.

[BrewingRover]

Bell's has been on the receiving end of trademark disputes, and they have since been vigilant about defending a trademark. This however makes me wonder what they are defending, and why? No trademark on the advertising, and I can't remember seeing that one in a while.

I've had a lot of Bell's beers and I don't ever remember seeing that. This seems a tough fight if it wasn't trademarked, I'm no lawyer.

[duboman]

Disappointing, perhaps the court of public opinion can sway Bells to withdraw, its unfortunate to keep seeing these battles arise in the spirit of craft beer, can't we all just be friends....sit down over a beer and work things out.

In the end the only people winning are the lawyers...shame

[MDixon]

The author is known for only writing the truth. I have never seen Tony Kiss allow anything to go to print which is untrue. That being said if someone has additional information, please share it. As it stands right now Bell's is starting to irritate most of the craft beer drinkers in NC and I'll be glad to go store to store and tell owners why I am no longer willing to order a Bell's beer.

[dls5492]

I am sure what Mr. Kiss wrote is true. I just wonder if we got all of it. Especially with everybody coming to the same conclusion. That is when I get suspicious. We may never know.

[Thirsty_Monk]

When craft beer starts acting like a big beer. Time is now.

[majorvices]

As a local brewery who has experienced both Bell's and New Belgium moving into his market all I can say is, it doesn't surprise me any. They use some very competitive tactics.

[hopfenundmalz]

Bell's has been on the receiving end of trademark disputes, and they have since been vigilant about defending a trademark. This however makes me wonder what they are defending, and why? No trademark on the advertising, and I can't remember seeing that one in a while.

I've had a lot of Bell's beers and I don't ever remember seeing that. This seems a tough fight if it wasn't trademarked, I'm no lawyer.

Remember Solsun? They were forced to change their label to Oberon by the Mexican brewery that has the Sol label, but they got to keep the artwork.

The back of Two Hearted used to say it was good for Hemingwayesque trips to the UP of Michigan. It does not anymore, some have said the Hemingway estate sent a C&D.

Bell's did go after Northern Brewer for the "Three Hearted Ale kit".

Yes, you will see more and more trademark disputes in the future.

[MDixon]

Bell's on Facebook

We hear and appreciate everyone’s comments about a trademark issue with Innovation Brewing.
We are doing our best to continue working through this as amicably as possible and are hopeful we can find a mutual resolution.
Out of respect for the legal part of this process that we are now in, we will decline commenting further

.

[majorvices]

One lesson to be learned from this: support your LOCAL brewery!