MACON, Ga. — The Monster drink company says a Byron metal shop is stealing their energy.
Monster Energy Company filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday accusing Master Metalworks of violating their trademark.
Their suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Macon, includes photos that show Master Metalworks using an "M" logo nearly identical to the energy drink's "claw" trademark.
But Master's co-owner Shane Thompson says they don't plan to drop their logo anytime soon: "If a federal judge tells me to change it, we will. It is what it is. But a federal judge will have to tell me in court."
Monster's lawsuit says they trademarked their M claw in 2003.
They argue that Master Metalworks is trying to profit off their success and convince customers that the two companies are connected.
But Thompson says their logo was designed by a local graphics company and they weren't intentionally mimicking Monster.
"Ours is not the same," he said. "It's really just a jagged M."
Monster also claims they sent Master letters in October and December ordering them to stop using the logo, but the Byron company never responded.
Thompson said lawyers advised them to ignore those letters.
"Cease-and-desist letters are very common," he said. "We did look up legal cases, and the most they can make us to is change the logo."
But Monster is asking a federal judge to order Master to stop using the M logo and to order the company to pay up to $2 million for every trademark violation.
The lawsuit estimates Monster's worldwide revenue at $6 billion a year and says they are the nation's best-selling energy drink.
Master Metalworks is located on Chapman Road in Byron. According to their Facebook profile, they specialize in welding and fabrication, including wrought iron, gates, grills, and other metal products.
Thompson said, "We're not selling anything related to them, we're not pretending to be Monster. Nothing says Monster. I don't see one person pulling up to our business and seeing a sign for ornate gates, and thinking that we sell energy drinks."
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