4th March, 2014 by Becky Paskin

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has filed a lawsuit against Crosby Lake Spirits Company for its “confusingly similar” Bison Ridge Canadian whisky.

The Lexington-based Buffalo Trace Bourbon producer claims Bison Ridge’s packaging features several designs that are too similar to its own.

Sazerac believes Bison Ridge’s image of a forward-facing buffalo on the label, colouring and use of the term “bison” could cause confusion among consumers.

Sazerac claims Crosby Lake Spirits, which launched Bison’s Ridge in 2011, adopted the “similar Bison Ridge mark and product packaging in order to pass off its own product as Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace whiskey.”

Sazerac launched Buffalo Trace Bourbon in 1999.

In papers filed with the US District Court of Kentucky, Sazerac requests Crosby Lake Spirits to cease using the confusing packaging, designs, publish corrective advertising explaining the two brands are not affiliated, and compensate Sazerac where appropriate.