Beer, Wine & Spirits Industry

Craft Brewers

Brewers meticulously work to create unique beers to satisfy a marketplace where competition can be fierce. Finding a way to set yourself apart can be the biggest resource in building a sustainable, successful business. Dinsmore routinely advises breweries, on all facets of managing their business and brand – from starting up the business, clearing brand names and enforcing your rights against external risks to complying with state and federal alcohol laws.

We understand the complexities and inner working of today’s craft beer and alcohol markets nationally and internationally and the impact it can have on business, intellectual property, regulatory or litigation strategy.

Experience

Outside General Counsel to a Growing Brand

Client: MadTree Brewing
Outside General Counsel to a Growing Brand

When Kenny McNutt, Brady Duncan and Jeff Hunt had a dream to open their own craft brewery, they sought legal guidance from Dinsmore. By the time Cincinnati’s MadTree Brewing opened in 2013, our attorneys had already played a significant role in its development – from helping to raise the original capital to structuring and executing loan financing. 

“Dinsmore gives peace of mind and guides us through murky waters,” said McNutt. “They’re reputable, and I always know I get the best answer for the information available at the time.”


Today, Dinsmore serves as MadTree’s outside general counsel, advising on contracts, real estate, trademark, employment matters, securities and other legal needs as they arise.

“They have every facet we need, and they’re super easy to work with,” added McNutt.  “I recommend them whenever anyone asks. They’re trustworthy, really, really good and well worth the peace of mind.”


MadTree was the first modern craft brewery to can its beer in Ohio, and, within four short years, the brewery had grown so significantly they opened an $18 million facility to accommodate larger crowds and increased demand for production. Dinsmore attorneys were with them every step of the way.