Angie Rayfield's Blog

Posted by Angie Rayfield

Brought to us by Fathom Events, the event will include the world premier of the movie, Beer Wars, a groundbreaking documentary look at the American beer industry. Most craft beer fans already know that despite the continued growth of craft beers, in the United States the mega-brewers still rule the roost. Beer Wars takes a look at some of the independent brewers that are challenging the status quo in order to bring us great beers.

But there's more to this event than just the premier of the movie. Afterwards, there will be a live panel discussion, featuring some of the best-known names in the industry. The panelists include Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Rhonda Kallman, founder of New Century Brewing Company and co-found of Boston Beer Company, and Greg Koch, founder of Stone Brewing Company. We'll also hear from Brewers Association president Charlie Papazian, historian Maureen Ogle (author of Ambitious Brew), and Todd Alstrom, founder of Beer Advocate.

The event will be held in 440 theaters across the country. You can find a complete theater list and buy tickets through Fathom Events. There are also video clips, beer links, posters, the Director's blog and more available at the BeerWarMovies.com site.

Posted by Angie Rayfield

This week, the European Court of First Instance handed down their ruling in the trademark battle in the EU, and they ruled in favor of Budejovicky Budvar. Budvar successfully proved that they had been using the brand name Budweiser for at least 5 years before A/B applied for the EU trademark.

This trademark battle has been literally going on for years, and Anheuser-Busch has fought Budvar in almost every jurisdiction imaginable. A/B succeeded in blocking Budvar in Finland, Spain, Denmark, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, but has lost their battles in the UK, and now the EU.

Both companies can claim a long history with the name - both "Budweiser" brands were released in 1876.