German brewer, Ratsherrn, attempts to trademark "Craft Beer."

German brewer, Ratsherrn (Nordmann Group), attempts to trademark the phrase "Craft Beer" in Germany. Although the request was denied and withdrawn, this is just an example how "Big Beer" is not limited to attacks on the American craft beer industry.

Germany is in the early stages of a craft beer movement. There are several small breweries making finely crafted beers, both traditional and non-traditional. Some are even brewing "beer" not according to the reinheitsgebot.

Link to trademark application: https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/marke/register/3020120345018/DE

Link to story (in German): http://www.lieblingsbier.de/2013/10/22/ratsherrn-wollte-sich-craft-beer-als-marke-schutzen-lassen/

Yes, this is my first post on BA. Long time reader, first time poster.

 

Oliver Nordmann, the owner of Ratsherrn, releases a statement in response to the angry outcry of the craft beer industry. The statement reads not like an apology but rather a justification why the trademark attempt was made.

Mr. Nordmann list the company's accolades and suggests that they are a pioneer in the craft beer movement in Germany. He states that the market showed them "the rules of the game," admits that it was a mistake and that his company will never try to trademark "craft beer" again.

http://www.ratsherrn.de/index.php/news?layout=blog