Trademark Trials: Harvester Brewing to change name due to legal concerns, asks for suggestions

The brewery would like it if the new name worked well with its love of farming, farmers and tractors so that it can continue using its tractor logo, but it will consider non-tractor related ideas too.

We weren’t kidding when we said that trademark cases are popping up on a near weekly basis for craft brewers. This week, Harvester Brewing is looking to change its name and it’s taking suggestions. According to a press release, Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, Calif., has decided that the use of “Harvester” will create brand confusion and demanded that the brewery change its name, despite being in a different trademark class.

“Rather than spend time, money and energy focused on a lengthy legal battle we have decided to ask our fans to help us choose a new name,” Harvester Brewing said in the release.

Hope Family Wines finds the use of “Harvester” in any form “unacceptable” so ideas like New Harvester Brewing or G.F.Harvester Brewing will not be permitted by Hope Family Wines.  If you have an idea and want to help a fellow brewer out, send an email to [email protected].