Title: My Experience with Intellectual Property Theft: The Case of Blue Point Brewing
As a passionate entrepreneur and designer, I’ve always valued the integrity of creativity and innovation in the brewery industry. Today, I’m compelled to share a challenging experience I’ve faced regarding the protection of my patented design and the actions of Blue Point Brewing Company.
Having enjoyed Blue Point’s beers in the past, it has been disheartening to discover that the brand I once supported has allegedly infringed on my intellectual property. A few months ago, I received messages from enthusiastic customers mistakenly believing that my bottle openers were produced for Blue Point. The frustration arose from the fact that we hadn’t collaborated with them at all.
My patented bottle opener, designated as US D757,513S, took four years of meticulous engineering to perfect, and we secured a design patent to safeguard it from imitation. Unfortunately, it became evident that Blue Point not only replicated our unique design but also imitated elements such as branding placement and the specific metal finish that defines our product quality.
What’s particularly telling is that another brewery, Blue Moon, encountered a similar situation. Upon approaching them, they promptly ceased their production of the copied design and resolved the matter amicably. This was reassuring and exemplified a commitment to ethical practices within the industry.
Upon discovering Blue Point’s breach, I promptly reached out to them and, to my surprise, their response was less than courteous. Given their apparent investment in the copied design, it’s understandable, albeit disappointing, that their initial reaction would be defensive. However, they did agree, in writing, to halt sales of the infringing product once I provided the patent information and discussed the situation with their legal team. They even committed to sending their remaining stock for destruction and promised to return the profits from their sales of the copied opener from January.
Regrettably, I was recently informed by a liquor store employee that Blue Point has not only stopped online sales but is now actively trying to distribute the product to physical locations. They’ve ceased all communication with us since our initial agreement, failing to follow through on their promises regarding unsold inventory and compensation. This lack of accountability is concerning, and it raises broader questions about the moral standing of companies and their respect for originality in the industry.
As I contemplate my next steps to resolve this issue, I felt it was important to share this experience with others who value transparency and ethical practices in breweries. It serves as a reminder to consider the companies behind the