York Brewery is being forced to withdraw its spring beer after the giant Budweiser brewery threatened legal action.

I'm not bitter: York Brewery's Tony Tomson with a pint of Bud ale

The brewery, based in Toft Green, recently began selling a new product called Bud Bitter.

It is a seasonal spring ale, hence the name, and the pump clip design features frolicking frogs. The brew was only intended to be sold until the end of next month.

But agents acting on behalf of the US brewing giant are unhappy at the use of both the word 'bud' and the three frogs logo, which are a well-known advertising tool for the Budweiser beer.

Managing director Tony Thomson received a warning letter from London solicitors D Young & Co.

"I was a little bit stunned," he said. "I don't think Bud Bitter equates to their product.

"It's a different colour and it's a bitter, not a lager."

The lawyers, acting on behalf of the American firm Anheuser-Busch Incorporated who are the registered proprietors in the UK of the trade-mark 'Bud' and parent company of the Budweiser group, are asking the brewery to cease trading in the beer by Friday.

They have also asked for all promotional material to be sent to Anheuser-Busch for destruction and for the brewery to meet the company's costs related to this matter.

Tony felt the company behind Budweiser were over-reacting.

"It's probably the biggest brewery in the world. We are just a pin prick in comparison. It's quite complimentary, I suppose, that they are taking this so seriously."

Tony's solicitors have advised him to capitulate.

"Obviously it will cost us a fair amount in inconvenience and quite a lot of money."

The beer is on sale as far afield as Edinburgh and Sheffield.

Budweiser beer sold in the UK is brewed by Budweiser Stag Brewery in London.

see COMMENT 'Bud out, Tony'

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