Energy drinks giant Red Bull has ended its dispute with Norwich microbrewery Redwell after it had threatened legal action due to similarities with its name.
Redwell, which was named after a street in Norwich and employs eight people, had been told by the Austrian company to change its name or face legal action.
The brewery said the dispute arose after it tried to register its trademark in May, and said it had been threatened legal action by the multi national company, which claimed the Redwell name would confuse customers and tarnish Red Bull’s image.
A Red Bull spokesman confirmed the dispute had been resolved and said it was happy for Redwell to use its name as long as it wasn’t for the purpose of manufacturing energy drinks.
“There is no dispute here. Red Bull has long been willing to allow Redwell to maintain its mark for beer so long as they do not use it for energy drinks,” he said.
Jacqui Tolson, senior trademark attorney working on behalf of Redwell, said the company has no intention of venturing into Red Bull’s market.
“We’ve managed to negotiate a possible settlement which is now on the table, so it’s a good commercial solution for both parties.
“Red Bull know that Redwell won’t venture into their markets and Redwell will be able to use their trademarks without fear of further legal action,” she added.
