More Trouble Brewing as Beer Trade Mark War Heats Up

Yesterday, the Age reported that Philip Withers, chief executive of micro-brewery Thunder Road, is attempting to seize control of historic Australian beer brands. 

However, in today’s Trade Mark Office Journal dated 7 June 2012, it is evident that the Intellectual Property Development Corporation Pty Ltd, have additionally opposed the registration of the Foster’s marks below.

Intellectual Property Development Corporation Pty Ltd, are the recorded applicant in respect of two of marks currently used by Thunder Road, “Brunswick Bitter” trade mark and an associated device mark.

Additionally, Intellectual Property Development Corporation Pty Ltd, have recently applied to register a host of trade marks for beer, a selection of which are shown below.

Phillip Withers reportedly informed The Age, with regard to the non-use actions brought against a number of Foster’s registered trade marks, that “[w]e are not doing this for any other reason…there is no equity value in these brands because there has been no cash flow in them, they haven’t been in business for decades and they have no value other than being important to the revival of our industry and keeping them in Australia.”

Will we see the revival of these historic brands? Only time, and the Australian Trade Mark Office, will tell.

 

A selection of  Intellectual Property Development Corporation Pty Ltd current registrations and pending applications: