Atlanta’s Craft Beer Scene Battles Corporate Power

News Summary

Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta is facing a trademark dispute with Molson Coors over the use of ‘Monday’ in a Super Bowl campaign. This case symbolizes the ongoing struggle between small craft breweries and large corporate entities in the beer industry. The legal battle raises important questions about trademark rights and the challenges small breweries face when competing against industry giants. As Monday Night Brewing plans its next steps, the craft beer community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that favors local businesses.

Atlanta’s Craft Beer Scene Faces Off Against Corporate Giants

In the heart of Atlanta, Monday Night Brewing finds itself embroiled in a trademark dispute with none other than the beer behemoth, Molson Coors. This legal scuffle has erupted over a recently launched Super Bowl campaign themed around “Mondays” for Coors Light, and it’s raising eyebrows about the growing *divide* between craft breweries and their larger counterparts.

A Brewing Controversy

Since its inception in 2006, Monday Night Brewing has firmly planted its roots in the Atlanta craft beer scene. This is not just a local brewery; it has expanded to multiple locations, including the renowned Monday Night Garage in the buzzing West End. It has even spread its wings beyond Georgia, reaching craft beer enthusiasts in places like Birmingham, Nashville, Charlotte, and Knoxville. But despite its growth, Monday Night Brewing claims to be about *1,000 times smaller* than the corporate giant Molson Coors, responsible for popular brands like Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Blue Moon.

The dispute began to heat up when the “Case of the Mondays” ad aired during the highly anticipated Super Bowl on February 9, 2020. Just before the ad’s launch, Monday Night Brewing decided to take action, sending a cease-and-desist letter to Molson Coors, hoping to protect its rights over the *trademarked* “Monday Night” name, which they registered back in 2010. However, the response from Molson Coors, received just a day before the Super Bowl, *rejected* their claims of trademark infringement, asserting that “Monday” is a term in fair use that many businesses can utilize.

The Craft vs. Corporate Clash

This situation has led to an eye-opening conversation about the different approaches toward trademarks in the brewing industry. According to the founder of Monday Night Brewing, there appears to be a stark contrast between the collaboration typically seen among craft brewers and the *aggressive tactics* of big corporations. This sentiment was underscored by a previous experience the founder had with a naming issue involving Maine Beer Co., which was resolved amicably, showcasing how small businesses often band together rather than clash over names.

As the legal situation escalates, Monday Night Brewing is gearing up to respond to Molson Coors’ legal team. However, the challenges of taking on a vastly larger corporation looms large. Legal action against a giant like Molson Coors comes with its own set of *practical issues*, including the potential costs and the stretching of time resources.

After the Super Bowl campaign, fans of Coors Light were surprised to find that the official Coors Light website continued to promote the “Mondays” theme, even offering merchandise like “Mondays Light.” This situation has left Monday Night Brewing feeling the effects of a *disconnect* between Molson Coors’ legal stance and their ongoing marketing efforts. As the founder of Monday Night Brewing noted, the competition in the craft beer realm is *fierce*, and this dispute has the potential to impact future market expansion.

The Little Guy vs. The Giant

At its core, this legal spat represents what many consider a classic “David versus Goliath” scenario. For small craft breweries like Monday Night Brewing, the struggle against such large-scale corporations feels increasingly daunting. The challenges of maintaining a brand identity and fighting for market space can often overshadow their passion and commitment to brewing top-quality craft beer.

In this age of craft brewing, where many consumers are looking for unique and locally sourced options, the outcome of this dispute may resonate far beyond just the names involved. It highlights the ongoing need for solidarity among small businesses while illuminating the uphill battle they face against the shadows of massive corporate power. As this saga unfolds, the craft beer community and its patrons will be watching closely, cheering for the little guy in a world dominated by giants.

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Additional Resources

• 11Alive: Atlanta Brewery Dispute
• Atlanta News First: Legal Dispute Over Trademark
• TechDirt: Trademarks and Legal Battles
• Craft Brewing Business: Beer Label Trademarks
• Wikipedia: Craft Beer