Two beer festivals in Edmonton, the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival and the Edmonton International Beerfest, are embroiled in a trademark feud, causing confusion among sponsors and attendees. Despite the dispute, both festivals aim to showcase the best of Edmonton's craft beer scene and provide an enjoyable experience for attendees.
Trademark Feud: Clash of Edmonton Beer Festivals
( Credit to: Edmontonjournal )
Edmonton beer enthusiasts have reason to raise a glass as two exciting beer festivals are set to take place in the city. However, a recent social media feud between the festival organizers has caused quite a stir. Let's dive into the details and see what all the fuss is about.
The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival, organized by Alberta Beer Festivals, and the Edmonton International Beerfest have found themselves at odds over trademark confusion and brand integrity. It seems like there's more brewing behind the scenes than just beer.
The International Beerfest, scheduled for March 21-23 at the Edmonton Convention Center, accuses the Craft Beer Festival of being a 'scam' and claims it is owned by a grocery store. The Craft Beer Festival, running this weekend at the Edmonton Expo Centre, denies these allegations and maintains their focus is on putting together a great show for beer lovers.
The Battle of Branding: Confusion and Accusations
The feud between the two festivals revolves around trademark infringement and confusion in the market. The Craft Beer Festival has been accused of using similar branding and social media terms, such as 'YEG Beer Fest,' which is trademarked by the International Beerfest. This has led to confusion among sponsors and attendees, causing doubt and frustration.
Sean Farmer, the organizer of the International Beerfest, believes that the Craft Beer Festival has taken advantage of this confusion to encroach on their territory. He feels that their brand integrity has been compromised, and sponsors and out-of-town attendees have been misled. The tension between the two festivals has been brewing for years, and it seems like it's finally reaching its boiling point.
A Shared Passion: Promoting Edmonton's Craft Beer Industry
Despite the feud, both festival organizers share a common goal: promoting the craft beer industry in Edmonton. They acknowledge the significant growth the industry has seen in recent years, with the number of breweries reaching around 140. It's clear that there's a thirst for quality beer in the city.
Filmmaker Mike Wivell, in his new documentary series 'Brewing Under Northern Skies: The Rise Of Edmonton's Microbreweries,' sheds light on the industry's future. While there may be some closures in the future, Wivell believes that the passion and dedication of those involved will continue to drive the emergence of new breweries. It's a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Unity in the Craft Beer Community
Despite the feud between the festival organizers, the craft beer community in Edmonton remains supportive of one another. These festivals provide a platform for beer enthusiasts to discover new flavors, connect with brewers, and enjoy entertainment. The hope is that a resolution can be reached between the two organizers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: providing a great experience for the community.
The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is taking place this weekend at the Edmonton Expo Centre, while the Edmonton International Beerfest is scheduled for March 21-23 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Both festivals aim to showcase the best of Edmonton's craft beer scene and provide an enjoyable experience for attendees. So, grab your beer mugs and get ready for a hoppy adventure!