Craft beer enthusiasts in Austin take to the Internet to rally for Rock Art Brewery

Rock Art Brewery The Vermonster

Austin craft beer enthusiasts joined the masses today rallying via email, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter after a YouTube video was posted earlier today about a "cease and desist" letter against Rock Art Brewery, a small brewery in Vermont.  Earlier this week Austin media outlets including Statesman.com and News Radio 590 KLBJ had reported the story by Associated Press John Curran of "Monster-maker to Vt. brewer: No 'Vermonster' beer". Now the fight has been taken to the Internet.

Supporters of microbreweries are voicing their objections to the makers of Monster energy drink, Hansen Beverage Company, for going after a small entrepreneur  over the right to trademark the name of a strong barley wine aptly named "Vermonster".

The "cease and desist" letter demands Rock Art stop selling its Vermonster beer, drop its effort to get a federal trademark for the name, and pay Hansen's lawyer fees. The letter says Monster has worked hard to establish its brand and Rock Arts use of the name Vermonster "will undoubtedly create a likelihood of confusion and/or dilute the distinctive quality of Hansen's Monster marks."

Matt Nadeau, founder/owner of Rock Art Brewing consulted several lawyers who agreed that the microbrewery could legally win a court battle. However, to do so Rock Art Brewing will face legal fees start at $65,000. The Nadeaus face losing all they own if they choose to go to court against a company reportedly pulling in $600 million dollars a year.

"When I pledged allegiance to this country as a kid in gradeschool I don't remember the end of it saying "and justice for all who have the deepest pockets,'" says Matt Nadeau. "You got five people saying I'm right, I don't think it should be coming to the point where they take everything."

The story is all too familiar for anyone who has seen Beer Wars, a documentary featuring Sam Calagione and which opened with a one night special movie event across the U.S. in April this year. In June of 2009, Greg Koch of Stone Brewing joined director Anat Baron at a special screening in Austin at the Alamo Lake Creek.  The film featured Sam Calagione, founder and president of Dogfish Craft Brewing, and Rhonda Kallman, founder and CEO of New Century Brewing Co. and co-founder of The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams. More about Beer Wars:

"In America, size matters. The bigger you are, the more power you have, especially in the business world.

Director Anat Baron takes you on a no holds barred exploration of the U.S. beer industry that ultimately reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer. Told from an insider’s perspective, the film goes behind the scenes of the daily battles and all out wars that dominate one of America’s favorite industries.

Beer Wars begins as the corporate behemoths are being challenged by small, independent brewers who are shunning the status quo and creating innovative new beers. The story is told through 2 of these entrepreneurs – Sam and Rhonda – battling the might and tactics of Corporate America. We witness their struggle to achieve their American Dream in an industry dominated by powerful corporations unwilling to cede an inch.

This contemporary David and Goliath story is ultimately about keeping your integrity (and your family’s home) in the face of temptation. Beer Wars is a revealing and entertaining journey that provides unexpected and surprising turns and promises to change the world’s opinion on those infamous 99 bottles of beer on the wall."

The film also features Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewing and Charlie Papazian, Beer Examiner and President of the Brewers Association, who stated in Beer Wars -  "It's a challenge for the beer drinker - access to the beers that they like".

 In 2007, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. partnered with Hansen's in an agreement for Anheuser-Busch (InBev) to manage and coordinate the sales, distribution and merchandising of Monster Energy® energy drinks to on-premise retailers including bars, nightclubs and restaurants in territories approved by Hansen. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

As Rock Art Brewing prepares for their 'David versus Goliath' battle, Rene Nadeau had this to say through a Facebook update:

"The easiest and best way to support us and any other craft business is by purchasing their product and let everyone know about the beers you enjoy. That keeps us doing what we want to do...brew the beers!I truly thank everyone who has offered their ...support! Cheers!  Renee"