*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. *This information is provided by the NC Craft Brewers Guild. Read the original article here. Did you know that there are new FDA (Food and Drug Administration) labeling…
We receive SO many questions about specimens. When do I submit one? How do I submit one? What type of specimen? And even, what is a specimen? Have no fear! Let’s break it down. Taken from the USPTO website: a specimen is a sample of how you actually use the mark in commerce on your…
We get a lot, I mean A LOT, of questions about the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and trademark legal stuff in general. So, if reading blogs about trademarks is not your thing, then you might want to skip our next couple blogs. The USPTO only: Reviews trademark applications and determines if the…
We have a HUGE announcement! We are so proud to announce the arrival of John’s book, Beer Law: What Brewers Need to Know After three years of dedicated hard work, it has finally hit the shelves! John’s book is available on Amazon and through our office. To buy the book through Beer Law Center contact…
Everything you need to know and probably more than you want to know about kombucha. I admit, I don’t think we have a client that produces kombucha. But, there must be a brewer out there who wants to know more about kombucha. Here you go: What is kombucha? Kombucha refers to a fermented beverage produced…
For this blog post I want to talk about two forms that are pretty standard for a TTB application, regardless of whether or not you’re a distillery or brewery. The forms are the Power of Attorney form and the Signing Authority form-both of which are linked below. What are the Power of Attorney and Signing…
When you apply for your NC ABC permits you need to submit a Recycling Compliance form. We know that recycling is not the sexist or most titillating of reads, but hopefully some of you will find this information helpful. The information for this blog can be found here. Why do I have to recycle? All…
This week’s blog post might be a real downer to some of you who look forward to happy hour. *North Carolina does NOT allow happy hour for alcohol. Eating establishments can offer happy hour for food only. See ABC Rule 2S.0232 (b). The ABC Commission has compiled “Happy Hours FAQs” that sheds some light on…
Breweries want to advertise their products and their beer. There is a correct way to advertise products and a-not-so-legal way to promote your business and beer. Check out the FAQs surrounding advertising. A PDF was created by the NC ABC. Can I place a dry erase board outside my business to advertise beer or wine…
Information for this blog post can be found here. Be smart about how you advertise and market your beer. Common sense is important here. Always portray drinking beer in a responsible way. Beer advertising and marketing materials should NOT: Portray, encourage, or condone drinking and driving; Depict situations where beer is being consumed excessively, involuntarily,…
The information for this blog post can be found here. You have probably heard of the independent craft brewers seal created by the Brewers Association. The seal might already be on your beers. But what is this seal and what does this seal represent? The idea of placing the seal on your beer label…
FAQ Time: I stumbled upon this helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” pamphlet that the NC ABC Commission wrote. We underlined certain portions for emphasis. The link to the original PDF is below. Q: If I run out of alcoholic beverages at one business can I transfer it to my other permitted business? No. If you own…
I just responded to an email about breweries and lawyers. Trying to develop a niche practice in serving the craft beer industry is tough and I thought about why that is. I believe craft beer (whether brewing, distributing, or serving) people often don’t consult an attorney because either “I can handle all this stuff myself.…