Recently, Heineken Mexico secured a significant legal victory on January 15 after a court rejected an injunction filed by Grupo Modelo, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, in a long-running dispute over the commercial identity of Amstel Ultra and Michelob Ultra beers. The Twelfth Collegiate Administrative Court of the First Circuit ruled that there is no unfair competition or likelihood of consumer confusion between the two brands, dealing a setback to Modelo.
The controversy dates back to 2018, when Grupo Modelo accused Heineken Mexico of imitating the image of Michelob Ultra, a light beer present in Mexico since 2016, with its Amstel Ultra product. Although in 2021 the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) sanctioned Heineken for unfair competition, and the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation previously sided with Modelo, the most recent ruling overturned those findings in Heineken’s favor.
Heineken welcomed the decision as confirmation of legal certainty and respect for intellectual property, while Grupo Modelo stated it will continue defending its rights through other legal avenues, including a possible review by the Supreme Court.
Does this ruling mean the dispute is over?
Not entirely. The case could still be reviewed by higher courts, and the Supreme Court may issue a final decision on trademark protection.
