United Brands sues Anheuser-Busch over competing flavored malt beverage

SAN DIEGO — The maker of Joose flavored malt beverages has filed a lawsuit against one of the nation's most popular brewing companies, citing infringement and unfair competition.

United Brands, which has marketed its Joose line since 2006, is seeking to protect the brand integrity of Dragon Joose, one of its popular flavors. The company said Anheuser-Busch's competing product, Tilt, boasts a product design "[that] intentionally infringes on [our] Dragon Joose marks and is thereby benefiting from the brand equity of United Brands and its products."

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, and includes such claims as trademark infringement, copyright infringement, unfair competition and related claims, United Brands said.