Rockford Brewing Sues Rockford Brewing For Naming Rights

A Michigan microbrewery is fighting an Illinois startup brewery in federal court over the rights to the name Rockford Brewing Company.

Rockford Brewing Co. of Rockford, Ill., filed suit in U.S. District Court in Illinois on Jan. 13 against Rockford Brewing Co. of Rockford, Mich.

The Illinois brewery, located in a historic riverfront brewhouse redeveloped in 2013, is asking Judge Iain Johnston to grant the company exclusive rights to the name in connection with restaurant and bar services.

A hearing on the case is scheduled for late February, although the parties are currently negotiating a possible settlement, according to Seth Rivard, co-owner of Rockford Brewing Co. in Michigan.