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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


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