The German Brewers Federation has entered a debate in New Zealand over the word Radler, saying it should not be a trademark.
The Intellectual Property Office on Thursday confirmed the right of DB Breweries to hold the Radler trademark in New Zealand, despite a challenge by the Society of Beer Advocates.
The Society of Beer Advocates argued that Radler is a style of beer like a stout or pilsner and the name should not be trademarked.
But the Intellectual Property Office ruled that Radler was not known as a descriptive term in this country when the trademark was granted in 2003.
German Brewers Federation managing director Peter Hahn says Radler is a generic German name for a mixture of beer and lemonade and the term should be impossible to trademark.
Mr Hahn says Radler is the oldest and most popular beer-based mixed drink in Germany. He estimates that half of the country's 1300 breweries produce it.
