Yakima Brewing Sues Rainier Over Use Of Yakima Red Brand

YAKIMA - Yakima Brewing Co. has filed suit against Rainier Brewing Co. and its corporate parent, claiming the latter's decision to call its new line of beer Yakima Red infringes on its trademark name.

"We are very flattered by a line of beers being named Yakima, but we must turn down this particular compliment," Yakima Brewing President Sherry Grant said.

Yakima Brewing, maker of Grant's label ales, filed the lawsuit last week in U.S. District Court here, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution.

Rainier, which is owned by the Chicago-based G. Heileman Brewing Co., began distribution of the caramel-colored Yakima Red in the Pacific Northwest in November, and plans to distribute more varieties of the brand.

Heileman officials did not know of the lawsuit when contacted yesterday,but the company doesn't think the new product will result in confusion among beer consumers.

"The product is sold under the name of the Rainier Brewing Co.," said Heileman spokesman Randy Smith.

"The Yakima name is in reference to a place within the state of Washington, not a city or a firm. I'm not sure there's a basis to change the name," Smith said.