Craft brewery awarded US$56 million in trademark lawsuit against Molson Coors

California-based craft brewery Stone Brewing has won its lawsuit against Molson Coors – but despite a unanimous verdict and a hefty US$56 million payout, the brewer may still be somewhat disappointed. 

db reported last week that Stone Brewing was seeking damages from beer giant Molson Coors after claiming that the brewer had infringed on its trademark when they rebranded their Keystone Light Lager with emphasis on the word “stone” on the can.

Stone Brewing, which produces such beers as their 8.5% Ruination Double IPA and Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA, described the rebrand through its attorney, Noah Hagey as “one of the most profound corporate thefts ever to occur.”

Now, it has been widely reported that Stone Brewing was successful in its claim, and has been awarded some US$56 million after unanimous jury decision in its favour. However, the jury found that Molson Coors had not purposefully infringed, and the $56 million falls some way short of the $216 million Stone Brewing sought in damages.

“What we learned through this trial is that Stone Brewing’s lawsuit was not driven by consumer confusion and that Stone Brewing has a $464 million debt to pay to their private equity investors in 2023,” said Molson Coors spokesperson Marty Maloney in a statement. He also noted that the saga may not yet be at its end. “There are still several defenses that will be resolved by the Court and we are evaluating our options for appeal.” He said.

Stone Brewing’s co-founder Greg Koch, however, claimed it was a momentous day for the craft beer industry. He said the ruling was a “historic day for Stone Brewing, and for the craft beer industry.”

“MolsonCoors threatened our heritage, but we stood up to that threat. They will put the ‘Key’ back in ‘Keystone’ ending their hostile four-year co-op of the Stone name. Cheers to our legions of fans, friends and supporters who believe in the good that craft beer brings. This is your win too.” He continued.