Help eliminate the monster

My largest intended purpose of this blog is to help keep the public informed, educated, and interested in the achievements and production of Michigan craft beer. There are 49 other states within this great country as well, and if there is just one brewery within those states that produces great beer, and truly loves their contribution and effort to do so, then that state, produces great beer.

In the past few days we have seen an explosion of injustice within the craft beer movement. A small brewet in Vermont, called Rock Art is being challenged by Monster energy drinks to cease and desist all marketing of its ale title "The Vermonster". Monster energy claims the two names could confuse customers. Here we have a corporation worth many millions taking on a self employed brewer, employer of 6, father of 2, and apparently the courts regarding trademark infringement say, if you dont fight, you lose.

Please take a look at this video, then visit the links below to learn how you can make a difference in this insanity.



outube Video "Matt & 'The Monster:'"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbG_woqXTeg

WCAX Channel 3 News. Video Included:
http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=11291060

Fox News 44. Video and Article:
http://www.fox44now.com/global/category.asp?C=108942

AP Article (Featured on NY Times, MSNBC.com, etc.)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/12/us/AP-US-Monster-Drink-Fight.html?_r=2
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33282954/ns/business-small_business/

Seven Days Article
http://www.7dvt.com/2009monster-mash

Stowe Today Article
http://www.stowetoday.com/articles/2009/10/07/stowe_reporter/news/local_news/doc4ac49c78bab8a795365935.txt

Beer Advocate Discussion
http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2319476
http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/2329283

Boston Globe Article:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2009/10/12/vermont_brewery_told_to_change_beer_name/

Rutland Herald Article:
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20091012/NEWS04/910120351

Burlington Free Press:
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991012018

Wallet Pop Article:
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/12/a-monster-lawyer-comes-knocking-at-a-small-brewery/

NECN News Story (Video included):
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/2009/10/14/Vermont-brewery-dealing-with/1255565091.html

The Consumerist:
http://consumerist.com/5381528/brewer-sued-by-monster-energy-drink-asks-america-for-help

2nd Seven Days Article "Rock Art Redux:"
http://www.7dvt.com/2009rock-art-redux

Seattle Beer News:
http://seattlebeernews.com/?p=902

Beer Wars post:
http://beerwarsmovie.com/2009/10/14/the-latest-david-and-goliath-saga-in-the-beer-wars/

Washington City Paper:
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2009/10/15/a-true-monster-attacks-rock-art-brewery-can-twitter-and-facebook-help/