San Diego (KGTV) — Friday’s San Diego jury awarded Stone Brewing $ 56 million in a trademark proceeding against Molson Quars.
According to Reuters, the jury said Molson Cours caused consumer confusion with Keystone brand advertising. Reuters also reported that Molson Coors did not knowingly infringe.
“We are pleased to announce today that the federal court has ruled in our favor in a four-year proceeding against MillerCoors (now Molson Coors),” Stone Brewing said on Twitter. ..
The company filed a lawsuit against Molson Coors in 2018 over the rebranding of Keystone Beer, which gave the can a big “STONE” title. The proceedings alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Following the ruling, Stone Brewing issued the following statement on Twitter:
Today is a historic day for the stone brewing and craft beer industry. Molson Cours threatened our heritage, but we faced it. They return the “key” to “keystone” and end the hostile four-year cooperation of the stone name. A toast to fans, friends and supporters who believe in the good things that craft beer brings. This is also your victory.
Coors said in a statement that the company is evaluating the options for appeal. Please read the full text below.
It has always been clear that there is no reliable confusion between Keystone Light and StoneScorpionBowl IPA, Arrogant Bastard Ale, or any other StoneBrewing product. What we have learned through this trial is that Stone Brewing’s proceedings were not caused by consumer turmoil, and Stone Brewing should pay private equity investors $ 464 million in 2023. Is in debt. Stone Brewing is just part of what they were asking for. There are still some defenses settled by the court and we are evaluating the options for appeal. Thank you for the court’s dedication to this case.