Follow Up – Monster and Rock Art Brewing reach agreement

Back on Oct. 15th, we reported that Monster Energy Drink (Hansen Beverage) had launched an attack on a small brewery in Vermont (read original story). In short, Monster Energy Drink’s lawyers told Rock Art Brewing to put the nix on their Vermonster American Barley Wine, claiming that it infringed on Hansen’s Monster trademark.
As we reported, Rock Art was preparing for a long and expensive legal battle. Although it threatened to be a potentially fatal financial blow for the small brewery, owner Matt Nadeau was committed to confronting the giant and challenging the concept that financial might makes legal right.
This became a big deal. Nobody likes to see a little guy get picked on by a big guy. It quickly became a “cause” on Facebook and garnered the attention of the social media world. “Boycott Monster” became the mantra. The folks at Hansen Beverage Company obviously are not stupid. And the truth is, Rock Art’s Vermonster was never any kind of a threat to Monster Energy Drink.
Well, we have some good news to report. Hansen and Rock Art have come to an agreement. Below is a statement we recently received from Hansen Beverage.

Hansen Beverage Company and Rock Art Brewery today issued the following statement in connection with a recent trademark issue:
Hansen Beverage Company and Rock Art Brewery have reached an amicable agreement under which both companies’ respective products will be protected – Hansen’s Monster Energy® line of energy drinks and Rock Art’s Vermonster beer products.
>Rodney Sacks, Hansen’s chief executive officer, said: “We are pleased that we were able to resolve this matter expeditiously and put the concerns that had arisen behind us so that both parties can concentrate on their day-to-day businesses, selling their respective high-quality products. Our intent in this matter was simply to protect Hansen’s trademarks and prevent any likelihood of confusion arising in the future through potential product extensions and was not to prevent Rock Art Brewery from selling their Vermonster beer.”
>Matt Nadeau, owner of Rock Art Brewery, said: “Once Rodney and I were able to talk to each other we quickly appreciated each other’s points of view and he acted reasonably, which allowed us to rapidly come to an agreement we are both happy with and allows both of us to move forward positively.”

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