E-Malt.com News article: USA, LA: Louisiana brewer sued for naming its beer Mechahopzilla

The creators of the original Godzilla are reportedly suing a Louisiana-based brewing company over their Mechahopzilla beer, The Inquisitr reported on September 11.

Toho Co., Ltd. is responsible for crafting the giant monster’s original cinematic adventure back in 1954. The creature’s enemy, the robotic Mechagodzilla, was brought to life in 1974. Not surprisingly, the company isn’t exactly thrilled with having these characters ripped off in the US.

According to The Daily Meal, Toho has taken issue with the products manufactured by New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company. Apparently the Godzilla creators feel that Mechahopzilla beer violates a few copyright laws. As a result, the company has filed a lawsuit against the brewer.

Toho reportedly filed the lawsuit after the brewing company decided to ignore requests to halt the manufacturing of Mechahopzilla beer.

“It was Toho’s preference to resolve this matter without a lawsuit, but unfortunately, defendant’s cavalier and intentional disregard for Toho’s intellectual property made legal action necessary,” the production company’s lawyer explained.

Law360 reports that New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company never received a cease and desist order from Toho. They continue to sally forth with the beverage.

“We filed for the trademark immediately after we put it into use, and we are waiting for the results from the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office). Not sure why they filed this before that ruling,” NOLA president Kirk Coco told the Times-Picayune.

Although the Brewer didn’t bother to ask Toho for permission to use the name, this didn’t stop them from creating an entire line of drinks centered around the iconic monster. In addition to Mechahopzilla, the company also produces Cascazilla, Dogzilla, Brewzilla, and Hopzilla.

According to The Associated Press, Coco claims he hadn’t heard of Toho until the company filed the lawsuit. It’s currently unknown if the brewery will be able to continue manufacturing the Godzilla-inspired Mechahopzilla going forward.


17 September, 2013