A Great British Trademark Dispute

In a world gone mad with political correctness, equal opportunity and media regulation, we thought we’d take it upon ourselves to add fuel to this fire or, more specifically, the fire of false trademarking.

Our gripe is a simple one and it all started with this - http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ohim?ohimnum=E9793886 – CAMRA’s trademark application for the term ‘Great British Beer Festival’.

To be more precise, we believe that CAMRA’s trademark is a blatant misrepresentation of the facts since the term ‘beer’ in no way suggests that CAMRA actually impose rigorous regulation on the kind of brews that are available at the festival and those that are not; ‘Great British Real Ale Festival’ is a more accurate, honest and transparent approach based on the beers that actually put in an appearance.

There’s no denying that BrewDog have something of a reputation for engaging in spats over CAMRA’s downright archaic and increasingly desperate measures to protect the seemingly 'diabolical' use of keg and carbonation; two elements that craft beer drinkers – and probably beer drinkers in general – wouldn't bat an eyelid at, let alone argue that they are of detriment.

For us, CAMRA’s trademark application is yet another attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of consumers, cashing in on expectations whilst constraining choice in favour of preserving their own perverse rules. Are these really the actions of a group that is considered to be the UK's champion of 'beer', let alone be allowed to pedal the term in their own trademarks?

CAMRA’s use of the term ‘beer’ rather than ‘real ale’ is just another incident in a catalogue of blunders in which the organisation have failed to acknowledge the growing wave of incredible and innovative UK craft breweries that are redefining beer, not just at home, but around the globe.

By plastering the word ‘beer’ all over their festival, CAMRA have sent out a strong signal that there is simply no place for the many variations and options available to today’s drinkers; the kind of choice which has never been seen before and is the reason why so many people are discovering and rediscovering the joy of beer regardless of back story, brewing process or branding.

Is this the kind of UK beer scene you want to be part of? Let us know.