Godzilla creators sue New Orleans microbrewery

If the owners of the New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company were wondering if anyone understood their puns, they can wonder no more. They're getting sued as a result.

The Uptown New Orleans-based microbrewery, is only four years old, yet already on the receiving end of an intellectual property lawsuit filed by Japanese entertainment company Toho Co., Ltd. The target in question? The microbrewery's "Mechahopzilla" beer, which Toho claims violates one of the company's copyrights.

If you're a fan of Japanese monster movies, you might recognize that "Mechahopzilla" is a play on Mechagodzilla, from the Godzilla movies. First introduced in the 1974 film "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla," this mechanical look-alike acts as a foil to the famous reptile, leading to a final battle between the two behemoths.

According to a report on Brewbound, the lawsuit alleges that New Orleans Lager & Ale is unlawfully using the name and image of Mechagodzilla for the packaging and advertising of its beer. In addition, Toho claimed that the microbrewery did not seek permission for the image or pay a fee, and refused to stop using the name when asked by the company.

"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," said Toho's attorney, Aaron Moss.

The microbrewery industry is ripe for intellectual property battles, as these small businesses tend to be playful when naming their brews. Brewbound mentioned that the Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, Georgia makes a "Hopzilla" brew, while Laughing Dog Brewery in Ponderay, Indiana makes one called "Dogzilla." As of yet, Toho has taken no legal action against any other microbrewery.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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