Lagunitas Brewing Co. has sued rival Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., according to the Press Democrat, alleging the Chico-based brewer has engaged in trademark infringement on its new Hop Hunter IPA label. Sierra Nevada is the second-largest craft brewer in the United Sates, while Lagunitas is No. 5.
Lagunitas owner Tony Magee argues Sierra Nevada’s design on Hop Hunter uses all capital, large, bold and black “IPA†lettering that is similar design to his label. The suit was filed Monday in the federal district of northern California.
Lagunitas alleges that the Hop Hunter “IPA” lettering is a “radical departure” from Sierra Nevada’s traditional design.
Lagunitas has filed four claims in its suit: federal trademark infringement; common law trademark infringement; unfair business practices; and unjust enrichment.
I had heard that Lagunitas was keeping the “pub” in public radio. I didn’t know they were keeping the “lit” in litigation. Seriously, though, the two labels, while not identical, are similar enough that I’m not surprised Lagunitas is defending their mark.