In a recent legal development, Patco Brands has contested BuzzBallz’s acquisition of web domains associated with Patco’s forthcoming products, labeling the move as both unfunny and unlawful. BuzzBallz, a producer of ready-to-drink cocktails, had previously claimed that the purchase was intended as a joke. Patco Brands, however, argues that this action constitutes anticompetitive cybersquatting and has urged a California federal court to deny BuzzBallz’s motion for summary judgment.
This dispute is the latest in a series of legal confrontations between the two companies. Earlier this year, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board invalidated two patents held by BuzzBallz, which were asserted against Patco Brands. These patents pertained to the design of beverage containers, and their invalidation was seen as a significant victory for Patco Brands. Kelly Patane, Chief Legal Officer of Patco Brands, stated that the decisions “confirm that both patents BuzzBallz asserted against Patco Brands are invalid,” reinforcing the company’s commitment to compliance with intellectual property laws. ([thespiritsbusiness.com](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/sazerac-loses-buzzballz-container-patent-case/?utm_source=openai))
The current case centers on BuzzBallz’s registration of domain names linked to Patco Brands’ upcoming products. Patco contends that this act was not a harmless jest but a deliberate attempt to impede competition by controlling online traffic related to Patco’s offerings. Cybersquatting, the practice of registering domain names with the intent to profit from the goodwill of someone else’s trademark, is prohibited under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act. Patco’s legal team argues that BuzzBallz’s actions fall squarely within this definition and are seeking legal remedies to address the alleged misconduct.
As the case progresses, it underscores the competitive tensions in the ready-to-drink beverage market and highlights the importance of ethical conduct in business practices. The outcome may set a precedent for how companies engage with competitors in the digital domain space.