Red Bull u-turn on Redwell name challenge

Red Bull has apparently dropped its challenge to the Norfolk microbrewery Redwell registering its name.

The energy drinks giant quickly backed down from its earlier stance, in which it had written to the brewery claiming that the name “compromised” Red Bull’s own trademark and would confuse consumers.

After a furious online backlash from the public in which the multinational was dubbed “Red Bully” among other monikers, it now appears Red Bull has said it has no objection to the brewery’s original name – as long as it never tries to make energy drinks.

Red Bull said in a statement: “There is no dispute here. Red Bull has long been willing to allow Redwell to maintain its mark for beer so long as they do not use it for energy drinks.”

Redwell’s senior trademark attorney, Jacqui Tolson, told the BBC: “We’ve managed to negotiate a possible settlement which is now on the table, so it’s a good commercial solution for both parties.

“Red Bull know that Redwell won’t venture into their markets and Redwell will be able to use their trademarks without fear of further legal action.”

On its Twitter account this morning Redwell wrote; “We can’t thank you enough for all your support yesterday & today, looking to finalising details with red bull today & using our name freely”, adding that the brewer was “currently going through the numerous emails received from Red Bull so we should have an update early this afternoon.”