MPAA Forces Minneapolis Brewery to Change Name of 'Rated R' Beer

by Kate Monzo on Feb 2, 2015 in Culture
MPAA Forces Minneapolis Brewery to Change Name of 'Rated R' Beer
A recent dispute between a brewery and Hollywood ended in 612Brew having to change the name of one of its beers.

Minneapolis brewery, 612Brew, was forced to change the name of its “Rated R” Rye IPA after being confronted by Hollywood’s trademark group, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal said that co-founder, Robert Kasak, received the news that his “Rated R” beer infringes on the MPAA’s trademark of the word “rated” through a cease-and-desist order. According to Torrent Freak, the MPAA registered terms such as “Rated R” and “Rated PG-13” in 1986 when it adopted new categories for its rating system.

A few months back, 612Brew went to trademark the names of its beers so they could begin canning. This is when the MPAA got involved and sent Kasak and the other beer makers an official notice. MPAA spokesperson, Kate Bedingfield, confirmed that the trademark group did send this letter to 612Brew.

Despite the brewery’s arguments of the obvious differences between the two industries, the MPAA wouldn’t budge. 612Brew decided the rename the beer “Unrated,” as of January 1, 2015.

Kasak remains optimistic. “It’s going to take some time for people to get used to it, but it will be OK,” Kasak told the Business Journal. “It’s a great beer and they’ll drink it regardless of the name.”

The Rye IPA is described as a “full-bodied hoppy beer, yet easy enough that your mom would like it. If your mom is awesome.” 

Photo via 612Brew


Tags: Beer, News
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Modeled after the gritty taverns of Joliet, Illinois. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Their vodka, rum, and whiskey will stand up with the best of American spirits....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

New World grapes with Old World appeal. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Oct 29, 2019
Get in shape and drink beer at Denver's Brewery Boot Camp
by Carrie Dow Oct 10, 2019
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Anyone who loves tasty food paired with delicious drinks is welcome....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 11, 2019
Places to Drink and Play in Denver
by Carrie Dow Aug 6, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close