COURT VICTORY FOR MAKER’S MARK

CONGRATULATIONS to Maker’s Mark. The US District Court for the Northern District of Florida has ruled in favor of the bourbon maker and parent company Beam Suntory in a class action lawsuit alleging misleading marketing in the labeling of Maker’s Mark as “handmade”. The ruling by US District Judge Robert L. Hinkle dismissed the complaint of two Florida consumers “with prejudice,” ending the case. “In all events, the plaintiffs have not stated a claim on which relief can be granted,” the ruling concludes. “We have asserted all along that the complaints in this case were frivolous and without merit, and we are very pleased the court agreed with our position so emphatically,” said Rob Samuels, Chief Operating Officer of Maker’s Mark. “This ruling is very good news, and it should send a strong message to those who would seek to gain from similar baseless and irresponsible litigation,” added Kent Rose, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Beam Suntory.