July 15, 2019
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Guns N’ Roses has filed a complaint in a California federal court alleging that a craft brewery is infringing on its trademark. Canarchy Craft Brewery Collective, operating business as Oskar Blues, makes and sells a beer called “GUNS ‘N’ ROSÉ”. The beer is also labelled and marketed with imagery reminiscent of the band’s signature symbols and typeface.
Guns N’ Roses asserts that, although its trademark does not explicitly protect against usage of such branding on alcoholic beverages, they are “famous” enough to warrant special extended protection under the Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2006.
A Canarchy representative reportedly stated that Oskar Blues is prepared to comply with a cease and desist letter sent from the band, but not until March 2020. They claim that counsel for the band was delayed in their response to letters sent regarding the dispute, and any future rebranding and repackaging would require significant time, effort, and expense.
Authors: Jaclyn Tilak and Sasha Seeber