I am sure by now everyone is familiar with the cease and desist that took place between Kentucky based brewer West Sixth Brewing, and Vermont brewery Magic Hat. For those who don’t the long and short, the story is that Magic Hat claimed that the star on the above can of IPA infringed upon that of their product #9. Personally, I think it was messed up, and in an industry this small a brewery should be able to call another brewery and be reasonable about the situation, rather than bring in the lawyers. Since Magic Hat is no longer that small wholesome brewery in Vermont, and is now owned by some capitalist firm in Manhattan, litigation was the go-to solution.
So many similar situations have ended nicely; Russian River and Avery to the day still make collaboration (not litigation) ale, and it is brought up as an example every time a cease and desist arises. West Sixth has moved on and since removed the star from their label, so I am happy to have come across this can that still has the star for this very post as something to remember the debacle. We decided to side with the small guy on this one, and have since refused to purchase anything Magic Hat since the incident. Sorry if it seem harsh, but in today’s world sticking up for the small guy is the more righteous path traveled.