The co-founders of UK brewery chain BrewDog could face legal action over alleged copyright infringement, following claims brought forward by the estate of Elvis Presley.
The news follows a dispute over the name of an orange and grapefruit IPA, which has attracted the attention of the solicitors of the iconic musician’s estate.
‘Elvis Juice’, which is sold in 32 BrewDog bars across the UK and overseas, was trademarked by the Scottish brewers in November 2015 at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
BrewDog extended their protection in March 2016 by registering a second trademark for ‘BrewDog Elvis Juice’, according to reports.
However, Mr Presley’s estate has sent a notice to BrewDog co-founders, James Watt and Martin Dickie, claiming that the brewery should not be allowed to call the drink ‘Elvis Juice’.
In an unusual response to the request, Mr Watt and Mr Martin have both legally changed their first names to ‘Elvis’, according to reports.
“Here at BrewDog, we don’t take too kindly to petty pen pushers attempting to make a fast buck by discrediting our good name under the guise of copyright infringement,” the duo have said.
“By the Elvis Presley Estate legal team’s logic, I am pretty sure we could even lodge a counter-complaint aimed at Presley himself for all the records he put out without Elvis Watt and Elvis Dickie’s permission!”
The lawyers of Mr Presley’s estate are yet to respond to Mr Watt and Mr Dickie’s comments.