Red Bull GmbH has filed a notice of opposition to Old Ox Brewery’s federal trademark application, arguing that the brewery’s marks are likely to confuse consumers because both animals “fall within the same class of ‘bovine’ animals and are virtually indistinguishable to most consumers.” In re Application No. 86/269,626 and 86/269,577 (U.S. Pat. & Trademark Office, Trademark Trial & Appeal Board, notice of opposition filed January 28, 2015).

Red Bull claims that the similarities between the marks would likely cause consumers to believe that the products are affiliated with each another. The Virginia brewery responded in an open letter on its website, calling the company a “Red Bully” that is “holding us hostage with a list of demands that, if agreed to, would severely limit our ability to use our brand. Demands like, never use the color red, silver or blue; never use red with any bovine term or image; and never produce soft drinks.”

 

Issue 555

About The Author

For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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