Copyright suit threat changes brewery's name

Cathlamet's Drop Anchor Brewery has had to change its name because of a threat of a copyright suit.

One year ago, when Drop Anchor Brewery opened in Cathlamet, the founders never dreamed that their success at brewing and distributing quality, fresh, local beer would attract the attention of the West Coast's oldest and largest brewery, reported Managing Partner Richard Erickson.

However, Anchor Brewing Company, better known as Anchor Steam Beer, became aware of Drop Anchor after Drop Anchor products started to turn up in over 60 locations in Washington.

Erickson said Anchor Brewing claims their trademark grants them the exclusive use of the word "Anchor" in the beer industry.

Anchor Steam felt their customers could get confused when the two brands are on the shelf next to each other, Erickson said.

"They are forcing us to change our name," he said. "I guess it is a compliment that we have gotten their attention. We are a small, micro-brewery in a very small town that takes a lot of pride in quality and consistency, and I think that is why we are growing so fast.

"Also, our top three beers, Broken Hose Amber Ale, Fog lifter Scottish Ale, and Hard Over Hefeweizen, have been very consistent in sales. Once a business puts them on tap, they normally keep them on tap or add them to their rotation of micro beers. And our Provocative Porter is steadily gaining ground, too."

To prevent legal action, Drop Anchor founders began searching for a new name last winter. Taking several months, and the help of a trademark attorney, they came up with a new name recognizing the community's ties to the Columbia.

"Brewery and beer names are very competitive, and it's quite a chore to find one that is not trademarked, but we believe we've found a winner," Erickson said. "We're proud to announce we have chosen "River Mile 38 Brewing Company. This name ties us back to the Columbia River and the Cathlamet Marina where we are located. If you travel the river by boat, you would find our brewery in the Marina, 38 miles upstream from the mouth of the Columbia River."

On May 16 Drop Anchor Brewery held their one year anniversary party and announced the new name to all their supporters, founders, and the beer world.

"We are very excited about our future," said Andy Lea, brewer and production manager.

"We are doing what we love--making good beer to share with family, friends, and customers. We are now sharing it with beer drinkers throughout Southwest Washington and as far north as Olympia," said brewer Steve Sharp. "No matter how big we get, we will only use the best ingredients and take the time to brew a quality and consistent beer."

"This is a small bump in the road that actually many new breweries have to deal with now," said Jeff Seawell, sales and marketing manager. "It is becoming more of an issue as the number of breweries grow. For us, nothing has changed, just the name on the building."

"The future is bright for our brewery; not every new business gets so much attention," Erickson said. "This re-branding has become part of our journey, and with help and support from our community, founders, and loyal customers, our young brewery and our community will grow and prosper."