Beyoncé’s lawyers have sent a cease and desist letter to Lineup Brewing in response to its Biëryoncé beer, named after the iconic musical artist. Lineup Brewing owner Katarina Martinez says naming the beer after Beyoncé was meant to be a tribute. “As a Hispanic, female run business, I am very inspired by her so I thought I’d pay homage,” Martinez explained to Pitchfork. “We’re disappointed she didn’t take it as a compliment, but oh well. It was fun while it lasted!”
If an individual or a company is making money off of someone’s name or copyrighted material, a cease and desist letter is usually a first step to prevent a drawn-out legal process. It makes sense because individuals and businesses shouldn’t be able to profit from others’ work or ideas without permission. However, one would think that Beyoncé could afford the compliment.
The pilsner style beer will be available until the current supply runs out. But don’t fret, Brooklyn-based Lineup Brewing makes plenty of other beers in a variety of styles, though none are named after the queen. Though who knows, maybe in the future Beyoncé and Lineup Brewing can come to some sort of an agreement on a future brew.
