The Top 10 Biggest Trademark Battles of 2019
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Guns N Roses Vs Guns N Rosé
“The Most Dangerous Band in the World,” Guns N’ Roses filed a lawsuit against an ale brand this year. The lawsuit, against Oskar Blues Brewery and their Guns ‘N’ Rosé Ale, was filed in May in California, claiming the brewery’s product and associated merchandise could cause Guns N’ Roses to “suffer damage to their trademarks, business reputation and goodwill.”
The brewery was in fact selling several items of merch that could cause trademark confusion. It had hats, pint glasses, stickers and bandannas, all featuring the brand name Guns N’ Rosé. The company had also attempted to trademark the name, despite it being so similar to the band’s trademarked name. This in turn alerted the band’s merch lawyers. A back and forth of cease and desists followed, but the brewery was refusing to budge, denying any connection between their beer and the famous band.
The band’s lawyers stated: “Given that bandannas are uniquely associated with GNR and their lead singer and general partner Axl Rose, and that the only bandanna offered by defendant are Guns N’ Rosé bandannas, it is clear that defendant intended to further associate itself and its products with GNR in order to free ride off GNR’s, goodwill, prestige and reputation.”
Oskar Blues Brewery has now agreed to retract its trademark application, but the case is still open as the brewery intends to continue selling the products as before. Let’s watch out for this one in 2020.
