CANADA: Labatt Brewing Co sues Brick Brewing

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 21 May 2009

Labatt Brewing Co, the division of Anheuser-Busch InBev, has filed a lawsuit against fellow Canadian group Brick Brewing Co, accusing it of copying one of the group's beer labels.

Brick Brewing said this week that Labatt is taking it to Canada's Federal Court, alleging that Brick's Red Baron beer looks too similar to Labatt's Brava brand.

Arguing that consumers are confused between the two brands, particularly because of their similar design and colouring, Labatt is seeking an injunction against Red Baron and damages.

Brick president and CEO George Croft said: "Their claim is without merit, we do not believe consumers are being confused and we tried to talk through the situation with Labatt and avoid an adversarial relationship."

He added: "Notwithstanding the differences in packaging, based on The Beer Store retail layout and policies, consumers normally have to ask for Red Baron by name, which makes confusion over packaging seem unlikely."

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Brick Brewing, Anheuser-Busch, InBev