This article originally appeared in The Global Beer Network's February 1998 newsletter. The Global Beer Network imports many wonderful beers, including the Mort Subite line of lambics, Ichtegems Oud Bruin, Bornem Abbey Ales, Gouden Draak, Piraat, and MANY others. It is worth looking at past articles, Johnny is very in touch with past and present issues regarding this wonderful - and sometimes controversial - beer. 

Trademark Wars over Belgian Beer
by Johnny Fincioen

The Confederation of Belgian Brewers informed the American Brewers that they will fight the use of the word "Belgian" in relation with a beer, not brewed in Belgium. The CBB has secured the services of a legal counsel, trademark specialist, who is actively searching for American brewers who misuse the label "Belgian" for one of their beers. These brewers receive or will receive notice to stop immediately using the misleading term "Belgian" for a beer brewed in America, and are asked for compensation for the wrongful use of the word.

No vintner or distiller can print "French" wine on a California wine bottle, or "Scotch" Whisky on a Kentucky spirit. When the name of the country of origin is used to identify the product, the least we can demand as consumers is that the term is used accurately. Do we want Coors' Blue Moon Brewing Co. to patent the word "Belgian", and to fight in court every brewer, be it American or even Belgian, who uses the word Belgian in a beer label? Of course not. Thus, the word "Belgian" can only by used for beers brewed in Belgium. The market is already deceptive enough with "Japanese" beers brewed in Los Angeles, and, even worse, to be able to print "imported" on the label, Australian beers brewed in Canada.

The use of the term "Belgian style" is no solution, since there is no such thing as a "Belgian style". Belgium, the Beer Paradise, is the country with the most different and authentic styles of beer. Would you accept all Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, Rap ... music being labeled "American style" music instead of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, Rap ...? What about a "Californian Style Chardonnay" from Ohio?

(Newsletter February 1998)

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