Blue Lake, CA
Mad River Brewing Company is pleased to announce the resolution of its long running trademark conflict with McKenzie Brewing Company over its flagship “STEELHEAD” brand. The battle has been brewing for the past eight years and has just now come to an end. Mad River Brewing Company, proud producers of STEELHEAD and JAMAICA BRAND ales, celebrates this conclusion on the eve of their 10th anniversary.
McKenzie Brewing Company of Eugene, Oregon operates several brewpubs under the name of “Steelhead Brewing Company”, and has contended that they have rights to use the “STEELHEAD” brand on keg and bottled product. Robert Smith, general manager of Mad River Brewing Company announced today that the two parties had reached a final agreement in an out of court settlement which follows along classic lines distinguishing between trademark and service mark protections.
The terms of the agreement, which was signed by Mad River Brewing Company on March 15,1999, give Mad River Brewing Company sole rights to use the “STEELHEAD” name on bottled and keg ales. McKenzie will be allowed to use the name “Steelhead Brewing Company” for its current and future food service establishments. McKenzie also agreed to restrict their advertising and promotion to limit any confusion arising from the name similarities.
Mad River Brewing Company considers this a triumphant end to a long battle.