Intellectual Property

Beyoncé Less Cool Than Bud Light

Beyoncé's lawyers are not as fun.

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When a craft brewer made a beer inspired by Bud Light’s new “Dilly Dilly!” catchphrase, the brewing giant sent a Renaissance Faire extra to the offending brewer to read a cease and desist scroll. Bud Light covered their intellectual property bases by telling the brewer to limit its production to a limited run and added free publicity and some Super Bowl tickets to sweeten the pot.

It’s safe to say that Beyoncé’s attorneys don’t share Bud Light’s sense of reason and whimsy.

From Pitchfork:

Brooklyn’s Lineup Brewing has received a cease and desist letter over their Beyoncé-inspired pilsner called Bïeryoncé…. Owner Katarina Martinez said she was inspired to brew it after she missed one of Beyoncé’s concerts despite having tickets. “As a Hispanic, female run business, I am very inspired by her so I thought I’d pay homage,” Martinez told Pitchfork. “We’re disappointed she didn’t take it as a compliment, but oh well. It was fun while it lasted!”

At least Martinez has a positive attitude about being threatened by her idol’s attorneys over what seems to be a reasonable play on a name. Would anyone actually mistake this beer for something officially licensed by a woman who has not, to date, officially licensed beer? Would people mistake it for an endorsement? It’s certainly possible, but these are the issues that inspire companies like Bud Light to forge accommodations. Obviously they could rely on the potential infringer’s fear of paying for a lawsuit, but it’s much more cost-effective and reasonable to offer a token of appreciation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement (and it seems as though Beyoncé’s lawyers are following Bud Light’s on the limited issue of not ordering a recall of what’s already out there).

So if you’re in New York and see stray cans of the beer below, well… Dilly Dilly!

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Beyoncé-Inspired Beer Shut Down With Cease and Desist [Pitchfork]

Earlier: Bud Light Lawyers Send Town Crier To Deliver Cease And Desist Letter

HeadshotJoe Patrice is an editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news.

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