Rock Art Brewery
 | |
| Industry | Alcoholic beverage |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters |
Morrisville, Vermont United States |
| Products | Beer |
Rock Art Brewery is a brewery in Morrisville, Vermont, USA. It began production in 1997 in the Johnson, Vermont basement of founders Matt and Renee Nadeau. In 2001 it moved to a larger facility in nearby Morrisville. After buying another property in Morrisville and building a new facility, Rock Art moved again in 2011. Its beers are currently only distributed in Vermont. In addition to bottles, cans and growlers, it offers 5 gallon logs and 13.2 gallon kegs.
In September, 2009, Hansen Natural brand Monster Energy sent a 'cease and desist' letter to Rock Art Brewery about its Vermonster series of microbrew beers, saying "VERMONSTER in connection with beer will undoubtedly create a likelihood and/or dilute the distinctive quality of Hansen's MONSTER marks." Hansen Beverage Co. has sought reimbursement for legal expenses and asked Rock Art Brewery to abandon a trademark application. Hansen has trademarks for “Monster” and “Monster Energy.” [1][2]
Matt Nadeau, a co-owner of Rock Art Brewery said he plans to fight the litigation, even though his attorney said it could be costly.[1] “Just don’t forget, it could get nasty,” Nadeau said his attorney advised.[1]
Rock Art and Monster settled their dispute in October 2009. Nadeau credited social media and a grass-roots movement which pressured Hansen Beverage Co.[3]
Ironically, Brooklyn Brewery has been using the name Monster since the late 90's, prior to the creation of Monster Energy drinks.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091012/NEWS02/91012018
- ↑ Slota, Bianca (October 9, 2009). "Monster Problem for Rock Art". WCAX-TV. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
- ↑ http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091022/NEWS02/91022011
- ↑ Brooklyn Brewery