RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The maker of Red Bull energy drinks is challenging a Virginia craft brewery's use of the word "ox" in its brand name.
Red Bull has filed an opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against trademark applications from Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, Virginia.
The small craft brewery that opened in the northern Virginia suburb in late June 2014. It's on track to produce about 4,000 kegs of beer by the end of the year and distributes only in a small portion of the state.
Red Bull contends the brewery's use of ox is likely to cause customer confusion because an ox and a bull are both considered bovine animals and are virtually indistinguishable to most consumers.
The brewery says the challenge is frivolous and jeopardizes its business.