Caledonian loses out in Edinburgh ale row

August 17, 2006: A Judge has ruled that the Edinburgh Brewing Company can use 'Edinburgh Pale Ale' as a trademark, despite objections from rival brewer Caledonian.

Caledonian argued that there could be confusion with its Edinburgh Strong Ale and that its competitor could benefit from the reputation it had built up with its own brew.

It also pointed out that the beer was brewed in Dunbar and that the name gave a misleading impression of its origin.

But the Judge felt the man on the street was capable of making the distinction and ordered Caledonian to pay £800 in costs.