Sazerac Co has lost a case against US peer Patco Brands after a patent spat over their respective RTD brands, BuzzBallz and Big Sipz.
The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2021, concerns the two brands’ round, stackable packaging. Sazerac brought two patents against the Big Sipz owner, both of which were rejected by the US Patent & Trademark Office’s patent trial and appeal board late last month, California-based Patco confirmed this week.
“The … decisions confirm that both patents BuzzBallz asserted against Patco Brands are invalid,” said Patco’s chief legal officer Kelly Patane. “These decisions represent important milestones for Patco Brands, reinforcing that our company acts appropriately and in compliance with intellectual property laws. We are confident that BuzzBallz’s claims should never have been brought.”
Global Drinks Intel has contacted Sazerac for comment.
Patco imports and produces RTD wine-based products, tequilas, whiskeys and hard seltzers, including brands such as Rancho La Gloria and Big Sipz.
BuzzBallz was founded by Merrilee Kick and acquired by Sazerac in 2024. Kick remains involved as a strategic advisor for the brand.
In December, Sazerac began rolling out the premix cocktail range in India in partnership with local spirits producer John Distilleries.
