A battle over the white rose of Yorkshire threatens to scupper a microbrewery that has raised thousands of pounds for a soldier's charity.
Tadcaster-based Samuel Smith's is taking legal action against the Cropton Brewery, in Cropton, North Yorkshire, over its use of the county's famous emblem on bottles, labels and pump clips for Yorkshire Warrior. Cropton has brewed the beer for a couple of years and proceeds go to the Yorkshire Regiment's benevolent fund.
Samuel Smith's claims the use of the "stylised white rose device" by Cropton is an infringement of its trademark and has demanded the destruction of every label, bottle and pump clip bearing the offending symbol.
But Andy Davidson, general manager at the Cropton Brewery, said it had sought permission from the Yorkshire Regiment to incorporate its cap badge, which features the white rose, on its labels and pump clips.
"The brother of Phil Lee, our founder, fought in the first Gulf War with the regiment and he wanted to give something back," Davidson said. "We've put in a defence and the case will be heard on July 4 next year in the High Court.
The costs of the case had been "substantial", Davidson added, and had jeopardised development plans for the brewery.
"We're confident we'll win but if we lose in court the brewery will have to close. It's a risk we run, but Phil won't be bullied over this. It could have been sorted out over a pint, but it's gone further than that."
Davidson said Cropton has been asked by the Yorkshire Regiment to stop using the labels and pump clips for the time being "because it didn't want to become embroiled in the dispute".
Samuel Smith was unavailable for comment.