Belgium & United Kingdom: AB InBev seeks to protect its brands online and in the media

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Belgium-based global brewer, has become the latest company to seek branding advice from lawyers at the Sheffield office of DLA Piper, The Star reported on March, 18.

The company, which has a portfolio of more than 200 products that include global flagship brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck's, has asked DLA Piper to look after UK branding issues, including protecting its brands online and in the media.

DLA Piper head of intellectual property and technology in Yorkshire, Richard Taylor, said: "An organisation's brand portfolio is one of its most important assets and companies invest many millions in this particular marketing sphere to create a long-term, sustainable, competitive advantage. Our expertise lies in keeping those brands safe.

"Many companies take their brands for granted until circumstances force them to gain control of brands and identify threats and infringements."

20 March, 2009