Opposer: Four Peaks Brewing Company, Inc.

Trademark Applicant: Michael McCarthy

Mark At Issue: KNOTTED HOPS BREWING CO.

On December 30, 2015, Four Peaks Brewing Company (“Four Peaks”) ended the year by filing a trademark opposition against an individual, Michael McCarthy, who is attempting to register the mark, KNOTTED HOPS BREWING CO.  Basis for its opposition are Four Peaks’ trademark registrations for HOP KNOT and HOP KNOT ALE, claiming that applicant’s mark is confusingly similar in sight, sound, and commercial impression.

Four Peaks was founded in January of 1995 and has used HOP KNOT to identify is American-style India Pale Ale since 2003.  In its opposition, Four Peaks provides evidence of consumer recognition to show how its mark operates as a source identifier.  It points to its history of involvement in annual beer festivals, including winning a silver medal in its category.

As you may have guessed, “hop” related puns are common when it comes to naming breweries and beers.  The applicant would have to compare its mark to that of Four Peaks and bring forth an argument of why the sight, sound, and commercial impression differ.

An answer to this opposition is due on February 8, 2016.