Word has been spreading like wildfire about the ridiculous claim of trademark infringement by Hansen Beverage, makers of Monster Energy Drink. In a classic attempt of taking-a-crap-on-the-little-guy, they have issued a cease and desist order against Rock Art Brewery for their 10th anniversary beer called “Vermonster.” Their claim is that consumers will likely be confused by the similarity between the two product names.

Seeing as Vermonster is a 10% ABV barleywine and Monster Energy Drink is a putrid Red Bull knock-off, I’m having trouble seeing the cause of potential confusion. And I am certainly not alone, based on the inordinate number of blog posts and tweets pouring out of the craft beer community in outcry against this ridiculous claim.

Here’s a nice video where Rock Art owner Matt Nadeau shares his thoughts on the situation.

For those looking to support Rock Art, join the Facebook group Vermonters and Craft Beer Drinkers Against Monster and contact Hansen and Monster Energy directly to give them a piece of your mind!

And if you happen to be a purchaser of any of Hansen Beverage’s products, please boycott them! I almost wish that I drank Monster, just so I could stop… Almost.

[Updated on 10/22/09] It appears that David has brought down Goliath! As of yesterday afternoon, Monster Energy dropped the cease and desist order, provided that Rock Art stays out of the energy drink business. Rock Art gets to keep brewing their barleywine under the name Vermonster!

Check out the report from WCAX. This was all possible because we as consumers voiced, nay, screamed our opinions on the matter. The power of social media… amazing!!