Amstel Files Trademark Application for AMSTEL XLIGHT

Amstel may be coming out with an even lighter version of its already light beer if a recent trademark application is any indication. On September 19th, the brewery (officially Amstel Brouwerij B.V. besloten vennootschap, according to the trademark application) filed a federal trademark application for AMSTEL XLIGHT (aka "extra light"?) in Class 032 for "beers."

Amstel filed the application on an intent-to-use basis, indicating the company is not yet using the mark in commerce but has a bona fide intention to do so in the near future. Before this mark can fully register, Amstel will need to start actually using the mark (i.e. selling the beer in interstate commerce) and provide sufficient proof of same to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

While an intent-to-use trademark application does not guarantee a mark will eventually be used, it is a good sign that some sort of plans are in the works to use the mark. It is not uncommon for beer makers to file multiple trademark applications for various beer names under consideration.