Since the last update:

This dispute between Anheuser-Busch and Budejovicky Budvar has been raging for nearly 100 years and in many countries. Probably the most astounding recent news is of the collaboration between the two parties in the USA – announced on 8 January 2007.

Given the number of countries and length of time that the dispute has been going, I thought we could start compiling it together. (Rather than wait until I have a reasonably complete picture.)

I’ll need your help, so please email me with any updates you have. (Please also let me know if you would like to be acknowledged for your contribution.)

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Comment

Country

Date

Comment

Thanks to:

China

12 Jul 06

 

 

1997

The 1st Intermediary People's Court in Beijing allows registration of the "Budweiser Budvar" trade mark and dismisses the action filed by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. against the ruling of the China Trademark and Adjudication Board (TRAB).

Budweiser Budvar, N.C. files trade mark application No.s 1221616 and 1299354 for “Budějovický Budvar“ at the China Trademark Office.

  

Europe
(CTM)

Jun 06

Board of Appeal of the EU Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market rejects Budějovický Budvar’s opposition to the application for registration of the “BUD” trade mark application filed by Anheuser-Busch.

  

Italy

22 Mar 07

Italian court orders cancellation of "Budweiser Budbrau" and "Budweiser Budvar" trade marks.

Budweiser Budvar, N.C. announces that cancellation will not affect their existing business activities in Italy.

Budvar announces intention to appeal.

  

Japan

Feb 2004



 

Apr 2003

Japanese Supreme Court allows allows Budvar to continue using the Budejovicky Budvar trade mark in narrow circumstances, along with its trade name "Budweiser Budvar N.C.".
A-B’s trade mark left intact.

Tokyo High Court rules that Budvar may use the Budweiser name.

Luke Ueda-Sarson

Poland

21 Nov 06

Budějovický měšťanský pivovar (Budějovice Civic Brewery - BCB), unrelated to Budvar announces trade mark milestone in Poland in relation to its “Budweiser Bürgerbräu" trade mark application.

Budvar issues statement the following day clarifying that the Polish application by its competitor has only been published, and not granted. Budvar announces intention to oppose.

  

Portugal

9 Nov 06

Budejovicky Budvar announces registration of "Budweiser Budvar" trade mark in Portgual.

  

USA

8 Jan 07

Anheuser-Busch and Budejovicky Budvar announce historic alliance in which Anheuser-Busch will become the U.S. importer of Czechvar Premium Czech Lager.

The parties announced that the agreement does not impact existing litigation or trademark disputes between the two brewers in other countries, and they have agreed the partnership cannot be used to support either side in any trademark cases.

Budejovicky Budvar announces that it is considering an appeal.

  
       

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