Specialty Coffee Company Sues to Defend ‘Fogbuster’ Brand Name

A Massachusetts specialty coffee distributor has asked a federal judge to block a California competitor from using its trademarked “Fogbuster” moniker and to strip the rival shop of all profits made from selling a similarly named brew.

Fogbuster Coffee Works of Greenfield, Massachusetts, accused Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co. Inc. of swiping its name for use on its recently rebranded “Doug’s Fog Buster Blend,” an espresso-French roast blend described on the California company’s website as “the boldest, richest coffee you’ll ever taste.”

Both coffee companies primarily supply freshly roasted coffee to specialty retailers, hotels, and restaurants in their respective regional ...