Football fan group beer trademark sparks dispute

Wylam Brewery re-branded its Wor Flags beer to NCL Flags

A dispute has erupted between two breweries over the trademark of the word Wor on beer associated with a group of football fans.

Tyneside-based Wylam Brewery re-branded its Wor Flags beer to NCL Flags last week - the sales of which support the Wor Flags fan group best known for creating Newcastle United banner displays.

Anarchy Brew Co, also based in Tyneside, said it registered the trademark for beer products in 2022 during its own similar partnership with Wor Flags, which ended before the start of the new season.

Wylam Brewery said it was "disappointed" to be put in that position. Anarchy said it could have been avoided if the other company did its due diligence.

Anarchy Brew Co said the trademark was not about stopping the Wor Flags community interest company from being called Wor Flags.

A statement read: "The issue arose when another brewery named their beer using our trademark."

The fan group Wor Flags creates displays for Newcastle United games

The Anarchy Brew Co statement continued: "It was never about holding a fan group to ransom.

"It was about two breweries using overlapping names in the same market."

The company said it was proud to have donated more than £40,000 to Wor Flags during its partnership.

Wor Flags has been contacted for comment.

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