Respectful Branding: Trademark Law and Practical IP Due Diligence

Speakers: Tomme Arthur, Sam Calagione, Eugene Pak, Marc Sorini

This BA Collab Hour webinar explores how to develop and maintain world-class branding while respecting the trademark and related intellectual property rights of others. Topics discussed will include an overview of applicable law, processes and procedures brewers can adopt to minimize trademark and similar disputes, and ways to address these issues in a professional and respectful way.

Referenced Resources

Craft Brewers Conference 2014 Seminar: Respectful and Distinct Branding
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Trademark Application

Tomme Arthur, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Owner

The Lost Abbey

Tomme Arthur is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Owner (COO) of Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey which was founded in 2006. Tomme is a 25-year veteran of the craft brewing industry and previously worked for Pizza Port Solana Beach. He is responsible for creating and stewarding the brands brewed in San Marcos. This includes Port Brewing, The Lost Abbey, The Hop Concept, and Tiny Bubbles. During his tenure as Co-Founder and COO he's been in charge of much of the company branding, positioning, and intellectual property (IP). He is a firm believer in the power of IP and trademark rules.

Sam Calagione, Brewer & Founder

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Sam Calagione has been focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients since 1995 when Dogfish Head first opened as the smallest craft brewery in America. Today, Dogfish has grown into a 400+ person company and is one of the most recognized breweries in the country. Dogfish Head is based in Delaware with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery; Chesapeake & Maine, a geographically enamored seafood restaurant; Dogfish Inn, a harbor-front beer-themed motel; and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring a tasting room and kitchen. Dogfish currently sells beer across the U.S. and Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits in the mid-Atlantic region. In July 2019, Dogfish Head proudly merged with the Boston Beer Company. Sam's innovative style and collaborative spirit has earned him a reputation as one of the industry's most adventurous entrepreneurs and brewers. Sam has authored four books and was named the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional in 2017. Sam, Mariah, and their family reside in coastal Delaware.

Eugene Pak, Partner (Attorney)

Wendel Rosen LLP

Eugene M. Pak is a partner at the law firm Wendel Rosen LLP in Oakland, California where he heads the firm's craft brewery law practice. Eugene represents craft breweries and other alcohol beverage companies in a wide variety of areas, including trademarks, distribution contracts, financing and formation, advertising, real estate, regulatory, employment, and litigation matters. Eugene is a graduate of UC-Berkeley School of Law and the University of Michigan. His Twitter account is @BeerAttorney. Wendel Rosen is an allied trade member of the Brewers Association and the California Craft Brewers Association.

Marc Sorini, General Counsel

Brewers Association

Marc Sorini, General Counsel for the Brewers Association, is a beer lover and homebrewer who has served as a counsel for small and independent craft brewers for more than two decades.

Marc holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and when he’s not contemplating beverage alcohol law, he's homebrewing with his adult kids.