New License Categories for Custom Wine, Beer, and Cider Making Centers

If you’ve ever thought about making your own wine but don’t have the space, equipment, or even grapes to do so, this law’s for you. On Monday, November 14, Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing the establishment of custom beermakers’, cidermakers’, and winemakers’ centers (“custom centers”), where producers may “share space, equipment, and storage to produce quality beer, cider, and wine for home consumption.” Senate Bill 1227B (“S1227B”—same as Assembly Bill 1100B) creates a regulatory framework in which custom centers will operate. The law will go into effect on March 2, 2017[1]. Keep reading to learn about the key provisions of the law.

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Wine v. Beer: Another Trademark Battle

On April 30, Washington state wine producer Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (“Ste. Michelle”) filed suit against Colorado-based brewery Twisted Pine Brewing Company (“Twisted Pine”), alleging federal trademark infringement and other unfair business practices. Ste. Michelle claims that Twisted Pine’s use of NORTHSTAR to sell Northstar Imperial Porter infringes the winery’s rights in that trademark, which it uses for its highly rated Northstar wine. This case is one of a growing number of trademark infringement disputes involving different kinds of alcoholic beverages. The outcome will depend on just how different the court thinks wine and beer are.

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