THE makers of the world's biggest-selling beer, Budweiser, yesterday launched a High Court action to take a rival Czech beer off the shelves in Hong Kong.
The US 'King Of Beers' claims that Budejovicky Budvar beer, imported into Hong Kong by distributors Solar Max Ltd and sold in shops such as Oliver's and Watson's, is breaching its copyright.
The claim is based on the fact that Budejovicky is the Czech word for Budweiser. This makes it an infringement of copyright, the US company says.
But the importer of the little-known beer said the action was 'corporate harassment' and vowed a gritty fight to keep selling the bottled beer in Hong Kong.
Peter Riha of Solar Max said Budweiser had lost similar battles against Budvar in Finland and other European countries.
The fight between Budweiser and Budvar over originality, name and label has a long and bitter history.
