Published: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Corporate ‘Monster’ vs. craft brewery
-
Monster energy drink and a bottle of Vermonster beer at Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, Vt., Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. The Vermont brewery that sells a beer called “Vermonster” has been told by Hansen Beverage Co., the maker of Monster energy drinks, to stop selling the brew. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Forget David and Goliath. This fight’s between Matt and Monster.
Hansen Beverage Co., the maker of Monster energy drinks, has taken aim at a Vermont brewery that sells a beer called “The Vermonster,” ordering it to stop selling the craft brew because it could confuse consumers.
Matt Nadeau, who owns the brewery, says he’s been told by five trademark attorneys that the law is probably on his side, but that proving it could bankrupt him.
“This is just about principle,” he said. “Corporate America can’t be allowed to do this, in this day and age. It’s just not right.”
Nadeau has taken his beef online, calling the dispute “Rock Art Brewery vs. Corporate America.” His supporters are taking up the cause.
“Letting you know I’ve stopped buying all Hansen/Monster products until you back off on rockartbrewery,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Associated Press
Hansen Beverage Co., the maker of Monster energy drinks, has taken aim at a Vermont brewery that sells a beer called “The Vermonster,” ordering it to stop selling the craft brew because it could confuse consumers.
Matt Nadeau, who owns the brewery, says he’s been told by five trademark attorneys that the law is probably on his side, but that proving it could bankrupt him.
“This is just about principle,” he said. “Corporate America can’t be allowed to do this, in this day and age. It’s just not right.”
Nadeau has taken his beef online, calling the dispute “Rock Art Brewery vs. Corporate America.” His supporters are taking up the cause.
“Letting you know I’ve stopped buying all Hansen/Monster products until you back off on rockartbrewery,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Associated Press
Comments
(
