Sleeman

The Goliath in this story, Sleeman, is an industry giant – though admittedly not the largest – from Guelph, Ontario.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

However, Sleeman, the more established brewery, is well known for its clear glass bottles.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

Molson Coors and Anheuser's Labatt unit each have about 42% market share, while Japan's Sapporo, which bought Canada's Sleeman Breweries Ltd. in 2006, has about 4%.

Fight Brews in Craft Beer David Kesmodel 2011

In 2006 the company purchased Sleeman Breweries Ltd., Canada's third-largest brewer, helping broaden Sapporo's North American business.

Canada Is a Key for Sapporo Hiroyuki Kachi 2011

This is where the story of Dead Frog Brewery and Sleeman Breweries Ltd. comes in.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

Sleeman on the other had I am fully acquainted and fully enjoy – honey brown.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

Sleeman initiated suit last June in B.C. alleging that Dead Frog is illegally using its clear glass bottle design.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

Even if Sleeman wins on the legal merits it will lose by being labeled a bully.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

The thing is both Dead Frog and Sleeman use clear glass bottles for their beers.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009

Dead Frog for its part has responded with a statement of defence and counterclaim and as far as it is concerned Sleeman does not have a monopoly on clear glass bottles.

Battle Over A Bottle, Beer: A Serious Thing In Canada…Eh : Law is Cool 2009