Craft Brewery Trademarks
Trademark Protection for Breweries, Beer Brands, and Beyond
Our Founder, Bob Johnston, at a Local Brewery
In the fast-growing and creative world of craft brewing, your brand is much more than a logo: it’s your story, your identity, and your promise to your customers. Whether it’s a memorable brewery name, a standout beer label, or that unmistakable tap handle design, every brand element plays a vital role in building loyalty and recognition. But without trademark protection, all of it is at risk.
Securing your trademarks early not only protects your brand equity, it helps you scale with confidence, avoid costly rebranding, and stay ahead of competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
What Can You Trademark in Brewing?
Logos, label artwork, and design marks
Taglines, slogans, and marketing phrases
Packaging designs and signature tap handle shapes
Trade dress and other recognizable branding elements
Trademark Challenges in the Brewing Industry
Geographically descriptive names (e.g., “Asheville Brewing Co.”)
Generic or descriptive terms (e.g., “Hoppy IPA” or “Small Batch Ales”)
Names that are similar or phonetically confusing with existing brands
Our Trademark Process: From Naming to Nationwide Distribution
Trademark Search & Clearance
A comprehensive review of registered, pending, and unregistered trademarks — including soundalikes and industry-adjacent uses — to catch conflicts before they happen.
Application Strategy & Filing
We help draft descriptions of goods and services and file a strong, customized application with the USPTO.
Office Action Response & Examination
Should questions or objections arise from the USPTO, we’ll respond promptly and strategically to increase the chances of approval.
Post-Registration Support
Your brand continues to evolve — and so should your trademark strategy. We provide ongoing support including renewal filings, enforcement strategy, portfolio expansion, and licensing.
Types of Trademark Protection for Craft Breweries
Word Marks
Secure your brewery name, beer names, and taglines in any stylization.
Design Marks
Protect your logo and label artwork.
Trade Dress
Protect the distinctive look of packaging or product appearance.
FAQs About Brewery Trademarks
Most brand elements — names, logos, slogans, and packaging — are trademarkable if they are distinctive and not already in use.
Typically 8–14 months, depending on the complexity. The times can vary.
Not through trademark law — but we can help you explore trade secret or patent strategies.
If you’re planning to distribute across borders or collaborate with international brewers, early international filings are key. We can help.
With a registered trademark, assuming you are the senior user, you can take action — from informal resolution to formal enforcement — to protect your rights.
How Johnston IP Law Supports Craft Breweries
At Johnston IP Law, we know that no two breweries are alike, and neither are their brands. Whether you’re a startup designing your first label or an established name planning multi-state distribution, we provide tailored trademark strategies to protect your vision, values, and long-term goals.
We don’t just handle filings, we act as true collaborators, helping you build and safeguard a brand that captures your craft and supports your expansion.
Ready To Secure Your Brewery’s Future?
Let’s talk about how we can protect your brand — and help you grow in one of the most dynamic, creative industries around.
Contact Johnston IP Law today to schedule your trademark strategy consultation.