Hansen Beverage, the company that makes Monster energy drinks has gone after a small brewery in Vermont over what they claim is a trademark infringement.  So, what is their claim?  That people will confuse their Monster energy drink with Rock Art Brewery’s Vermonster beer.   What?  I don’t know about you but I have never confused an energy drink with a beer.

Matt Nadeau, owner of Rock Art Brewery, is flustered and confused.  He spoke with several lawfirms and they all told him that they didn’t think Hansen had a case but they have deep pockets.  I have been on the receiving end of nonsense like this and I know how frustrating it is.  Unfortunately, the issue goes from what it should be (who is right and who is wrong) to who has the most money.  If Rock Art Brewery fights with Hansen Beverage over the supposed similarity and they win, they could be in for years of expensive appeals and huge legal bills.  They would be bills that Rock Art Brewery may not be able to handle but would be a minor expense to a large corporation like Hansen Beverages.

I understand that companies that have a trademark are obligated to protect it but it’s a shame that our system allows companies to take advantage of that obligation and push smaller companies around with their big pockets.

You can read the original article I read at Vermont’s Rutland Herald.