They Tried To Patent Real American Ale — Now Everyone’s Copying It

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:30:46 +0000

Title: They Tried to Patent Real American Ale – Now Everyone’s Copying It In a surprising turn of events, Real American Ale (often stylized as “Real American Ale,” and sometimes confused with brands like Boston Lager or Al(E) Smith’s Real American Ale) faced one of the most controversial episodes in craft beer history: a bold attempt to patent what many consider an intrinsic part of American brewing culture—Real American Ale. What started as a legal effort to protect a unique brewing process backfired when brewers nationwide began replicating, emulating, and reimagining the style, effectively democratizing a once-exclusive craft. ### The Patent Battle: A Bold Move to Protect Tradition In recent years, brewing titans and regional microbreweries alike attempted to secure patents around specific formulations, fermentation techniques, and flavor profiles tied to traditional American ales—especially styles reflecting a classic, robust, and approachable American taste. One notable case involved a brewery or company attempting to patent a proprietary yeast strain or a signature brewing method designed to mimic “Real American Ale,” a beer celebrated for its clean, sessionable character and deep-rooted cultural significance.