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Craft Brewery Faces Trademark Challenge Over 'Fest' Beer Names

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/22 .. es-trademark-challenge-over-fest-beer-names.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 15:53 GMT by WLAX La Crosse
      Locales: California, Colorado, Oregon, UNITED STATES

Indianapolis, IN - February 22nd, 2026 - Modicum Brewing, a popular craft brewery based in Indianapolis, is navigating a challenging situation, having received cease and desist letters from prominent German breweries regarding the use of "Fest" in several of its beer names. While seemingly a minor dispute over nomenclature, this case illuminates the intricate world of international trademark law, the protection of geographically indicated (GI) products, and the growing tension between honoring brewing heritage and fostering innovation in the rapidly expanding global craft beer market.

The issue centers on German trademark law, which rigorously protects the term "Fest" - meaning 'festival' - when applied to beer. This protection isn't simply about brand recognition; it's deeply tied to the cultural and historical significance of German beer festivals, most notably Oktoberfest. German law dictates that only beers brewed in Germany and authentically connected to these traditional celebrations can legitimately utilize the "Fest" designation. This is a classic example of a GI, where a product's quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially linked to its geographical origin.

Modicum Brewing, founded by Caleb Willis, currently features beers like 'Oktoberfest,' 'Marzenfest,' and 'Weizenfest' in its lineup. While acknowledging the validity of the German claim, Willis has expressed a willingness to comply with the cease and desist requests, stating a desire to avoid costly legal battles and, more importantly, to show respect for German brewing traditions. "We want to respect German brewing traditions and the cultural significance of those names," Willis explained in a recent interview. "We don't want to fight a legal battle over it." This proactive approach, while financially sensible, sets a precedent for other craft breweries operating in the international space.

The cease and desist letters originated from a trio of Munich-based brewing giants: Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Hofbrau. These breweries have long been guardians of the "Festbier" tradition, fiercely protecting the authenticity and reputation of their iconic brews. Their actions aren't merely about protecting their brands; they're about preserving a centuries-old brewing culture and preventing dilution of a product deeply connected to German identity.

Beyond 'Fest': The Growing Trend of GI Protection

The Modicum Brewing case is part of a larger, global trend of increasing protection for geographically indicated products. From Parma ham in Italy to Tequila in Mexico, countries are increasingly utilizing legal mechanisms to safeguard the unique characteristics of products tied to specific regions. This protection extends beyond food and beverages; it encompasses everything from Scotch whisky to Champagne. The aim is to prevent counterfeiting, maintain quality standards, and protect the economic interests of producers in the originating region.

However, this protection can sometimes clash with the spirit of innovation and creativity, particularly in the craft brewing industry. Many small and independent breweries draw inspiration from global traditions, experimenting with different styles and techniques. While homage is common, the strict application of GI laws can limit their ability to express that inspiration through naming conventions or even brewing processes.

The Future of Craft Beer and Cultural Heritage

Experts predict a rise in similar disputes as the global craft beer market continues to grow. Breweries worldwide are increasingly borrowing from traditional styles, and legal battles over terminology and authenticity are likely to become more frequent. Some suggest a need for clearer guidelines and potentially a more nuanced approach to trademark law that balances the protection of cultural heritage with the promotion of innovation.

"There's a growing conversation about how to navigate these complexities," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a legal expert specializing in intellectual property and food & beverage law. "We need to find a way to protect legitimate GI claims without stifling creativity or preventing breweries from respectfully acknowledging and building upon existing traditions."

Modicum Brewing's decision to rename its "Fest" beers is a pragmatic one, but it highlights a broader challenge facing the craft beer industry: how to operate in a global market while respecting the cultural heritage of brewing traditions. The company is currently working on new names for the affected beers, focusing on descriptive terms that highlight the style and flavor profile without referencing the contentious "Fest" designation. They anticipate announcing the new names in the coming weeks, and Willis assures customers that the quality and character of the beers will remain unchanged.