Conservative Beer Brand Pushes Back Against Anheuser-Busch's Trademark Conflict

Conservative Beer Brand Pushes Back Against Anheuser-Busch’s Trademark Conflict

FIRST ON FOX: A conservative beer company is standing firm after Anheuser-Busch, the beer industry giant, lodged a trademark challenge against it. The dispute arises following the company’s viral disapproval of Bud Light’s partnership with a transgender influencer.

According to a press release from Conservative Dad’s Ultra Right Beer, Anheuser-Busch submitted a federal trademark opposition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The beer brand claims that this legal action is an attempt at corporate retribution over its critical stance regarding Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch asserts that Ultra Right Beer’s trademark proposal infringes on its existing trademark for Michelob Ultra.

In its official opposition, Anheuser-Busch expressed that it believes the registration of the mark ULTRA RIGHT would ultimately harm its business interests. The company highlighted its marketing history, emphasizing that it has sold billions of products under the well-established ULTRA brand.

Background of the Trademark Dispute

The current trademark claim follows a tumultuous period for Bud Light, particularly in light of its partnership with influencer Dylan Mulvaney two years ago. This collaboration sparked widespread backlash, resulting in boycotts that severely affected Bud Light’s sales performance.

The controversial marketing decision led to a viral video where Ultra Right Beer founder Seth Weathers infamously smashed a Bud Light can with a baseball bat, resonating with many consumers who felt alienated by Bud Light’s association with social issues.

Retaliation or Legal Necessity?

In a statement regarding the ongoing situation, Weathers contended that the legal actions taken by Anheuser-Busch showcase a pattern of retaliation rather than genuine concern over trademark rights. He claimed that the company is attempting to utilize its extensive legal resources to undermine Ultra Right Beer, which he described as a movement rooted in American values rather than corporate profit motives.

“This isn’t about trademarks; it’s about retaliation,” Weathers asserted. He expressed confidence in Ultra Right Beer’s position, stressing that the company will not yield to intimidation by a corporation with vast financial power.

Claiming Consumer Confusion

Anheuser-Busch elaborated on its claim by stating that the use of the ULTRA RIGHT mark could lead to consumer confusion. The company warned that potential customers might mistakenly believe that Ultra Right’s products are affiliated with or endorsed by Anheuser-Busch. This concern highlights the complexity and nuance involved in trademark disputes, especially in competitive markets.

Despite these claims, the founders of Ultra Right Beer argue that larger corporations often exert their influence to stifle emerging brands that challenge their market dominance. The press release emphasized that Anheuser-Busch, valued at over $100 billion, possesses a notorious history of using its wealth to neutralize competition.