Friday Link Roundup: October 16

By Mario, on October 16th, 2009

There’s been plenty of news today, but I’m only going to focus on a few things. Might as well get to it.

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

DON’T DRINK HANSEN’S PRODUCTS! This means all Hansen’s products. They feel that the right thing to do right now is to pick on small businesses. Claiming they are protecting their product’s name, Hansen’s has filed a suit against Rock Art Brewery claiming the name could confuse customers of their Monster brand energy drinks.

Hansen’s Natural saw $300.2 Million in sales in the second quarter of 2009. This is not a small company. They have decided to pick on a brewery who doesn’t see distribution beyond their region.

There are 56 other beers listed at RateBeer containing the word “Monster” including Ballast Point Sea Monster, Brooklyn Monster Ale, Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster. Ben and Jerry’s sells an over-sized sundae called the Vermonster as well. None of these companies have been served with lawsuits.

Stop buying Hansen’s products until they drop this ridiculous lawsuit. Hansen’s lineup of soft drinks and juices includes Monster Energy, Hansen’s Natural Soda, Hansen’s Energy, Ace Energy Drink, Joker Mad Energy, and Blue Sky.

In other news: Ramekins in Sonoma is having their Brewmaster Dinner Cooking Class with Lagunitas prepared by Chris Jones from The Girl & the Fig. The dinner takes place this Saturday at 4pm. Tickets are $98 and the class should be a good time. Below is the menu as well as contact information for Ramekins. Hope to see you there.

Lagunitas Czech-Style Pils: Mussels, Cream and Saffron Soup with Fall Vegetables and Country Bread
Lagunitas Censored Ale: Atlantic Diver Scallop with Crispy Pork Belly, Savoy Cabbage Purée, Baby Carrots, Red Pearl Onions and Pork Reduction
Lagunitas IPA: Boudin Blanc Sausage with Flageolet Beans, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Pommery Mustard Sauce
Lagunitas Olde GnarlyWine (3 Year Aged Vertical): Flemish Beef Stew with Lagunitas-Braised Beef, Prunes and Vegetable Purée
Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout: Profiteroles with Vanilla and Coffee Ice Cream, Topped with Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce

Ramekins
450 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-0450 ext. 11

BOYCOTT MONSTER ENERGY « SUPPORT ROCK ART BREWERY SAVE VERMONSTER

October 16, 2009 at 1:49 pm

[...] BREWED FOR THOUGHT – “FRIDAY LINK ROUNDUP — October 16th” [...]

Scott-TheBrewClub

October 17, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Supposedly they are trying to get into the alcohol market, but it doesn’t really explain their focus on Rock Art. Perhaps Monster Cable or the Cookie Monster should sue Monster Energy. Sometime I get confused when I need a caffeinated pick-me-up and I end up with blue fuzzy stuff from my Cookie Monster doll in my mouth.

matt

October 28, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Hey Mario,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I heard somewhere that Rock Art just won this case, or that Monster dropped it. Is that true? Have you heard anything more about it?

Thanks,

Matt in Santa Rosa

Mario

October 29, 2009 at 6:21 am

I received this email from Hansens on the 26th and meant to share it, but hadn’t had the chance:

Hansen Beverage Company and Rock Art Brewery Reach Trademark Agreement
October 26, 2009

Hansen Beverage Company and Rock Art Brewery today issued the following statement in connection with a recent trademark issue:

Hansen Beverage Company and Rock Art Brewery have reached an amicable agreement under which both companies’ respective products will be protected – Hansen’s Monster Energy® line of energy drinks and Rock Art’s Vermonster beer products.

> Rodney Sacks, Hansen’s chief executive officer, said: “We are pleased that we were able to resolve this matter expeditiously and put the concerns that had arisen behind us so that both parties can concentrate on their day-to-day businesses, selling their respective high-quality products. Our intent in this matter was simply to protect Hansen’s trademarks and prevent any likelihood of confusion arising in the future through potential product extensions and was not to prevent Rock Art Brewery from selling their Vermonster beer.”

> Matt Nadeau, owner of Rock Art Brewery, said: “Once Rodney and I were able to talk to each other we quickly appreciated each other’s points of view and he acted reasonably, which allowed us to rapidly come to an agreement we are both happy with and allows both of us to move forward positively.”

Contacts:
Rodney Sacks
Hansen Beverage Company
(951) 739-6200

Matt Nadeau
Rock Art Brewery
(802) 888-9400