2018 was an exciting and memorable year for the Brewing and Distilling Practice Group at Moye White. We had the pleasure of assisting existing and new clients in the industry with a variety of legal matters, and we engaged with our friends and partners in the brewing and distilling industries in a number of meaningful ways.
We helped clients organize, structure, restructure, and finance business operations for breweries, distilleries, and other companies related to the industry, as well as finance, purchase, and lease real estate for their new ventures. We helped our clients navigate a variety of disputes, ranging from conflicts between shareholders, contractual disputes, and the protection and management of their brands, trademarks, and trade secrets. Each of these complex and interesting matters gave our firm and Practice Group more significant and profound knowledge to improve service to our industry clients year after year.
Outside of the office, and in the community, attorneys Jessica Hunter and Craig Knobbe had the privilege of educating members of the Colorado Brewer’s Guild by presenting on trademark issues at the annual Colorado Craft Brewer’s Summit. Additionally, Dominick Sekich spoke as panelists on the Finance Panel for Brewers in conjunction with the Colorado Brewers Guild. Billy Jones also guest lectured at Regis University's Brewing Program to educate students on legal issues facing the industry, an experience he describes as extremely rewarding. Attorney Stephanie Loughner wrote an article on employment for Brewers for Craft Brewing Business.
The Brewing and Distilling Practice Group sponsored, hosted, and attended numerous events organized by our clients and partners in 2018. We sponsored the Underground Music Showcase/Sesh Fest, the Denver Beer Festivus, Collaboration Fest, the Great American Beer Festival Pre-Gate, and the Colorado Craft Brewer's Summit. Attorney Jessica Hunter volunteered on the competition team at the Great American Beer Festival and traveled to Germany with a Brewers Association staff member to meet members of the German Hop Growers Association. Finally, the Practice Group hosted the Colorado Brewer’s Guild Annual Holiday Party in our offices to finish off a great year.
As we look back and reflect on a fulfilling year serving the brewing and distilling industries in 2018, we look forward to an even more exciting year in 2019. Cheers!