We represent Wineries, Breweries & Distillers, Importers & Distributors and Retailers of all kinds. We provide expert counsel in areas such as Trademarks, Marketing & Promotions, Regulatory Actions and Licensing.
WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERS:
At Morsel Law, our experience ranges from helping suppliers with licensing and establishment, to aiding with the selection of distributors and negotiation of distribution agreements, and obtaining federal and state label approvals. We have drafted all kinds of industry agreements—including distribution agreements, import agreements and marketing agreements.
From the established multi-national producers, to the newest generation of start-up craft artisans, Morsel Law helps suppliers maintain their licensure requirements, meet their compliance responsibilities, and achieve their business objectives. Whether navigating the sale and shipment of your products across state lines or the unwinding of an existing distribution relationship, Morsel Law has the skilled and experienced professionals to protect your interests and secure your objectives.
IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS:
At Morsel Law we are experienced with obtaining the federal permits, formula and laboratory approvals, pre-import letters, and state-level licenses necessary to import and distribute products in the U.S. market. We have drafted many distribution and importation agreements between importers and their suppliers, as well as their distributors.
From the wholesaler networks spanning multiple states and distributing hundreds of established brands from all segments, to the specialty houses focusing on particular artisanal products in specific markets, Morsel Law helps distributors maintain their licensure requirements, meet their compliance responsibilities and achieve their business objectives. We are experienced with obtaining the federal permits, formula and laboratory approvals, pre-import letters, and state-level licenses necessary to import and distribute products in the U.S. market. Morsel Law has the skilled and experienced professionals to protect your interests and achieve your objectives.
RETAILERS:
On-premises retailers, such as restaurants, hotels, bars, nightclubs, sporting venues and golf courses, face a broad range of regulatory requirements and liability risks. Off-premises retailers, such as convenience stores, supermarkets and liquor stores, face their own unique challenges as local governments get more restrictive on distance and location restrictions for licensure.
At Morsel Law we are experienced in navigating the challenges facing the alcohol retailers. Whether assisting with licensure and compliance issues or advising on responsible vending practices, Morsel Law has the skilled and experienced professionals to protect your interests and achieve your objectives.
TRADEMARKS:
Suppliers and retailers generally own a number of different trademarks, including their company name and one—or often many—brand names. Morsel Law can efficiently and effectively search for trademark availability and submit trademarks applications on behalf of our clients.
ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PROMOTIONS:
We have special expertise in the laws regulating the advertising, marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages, including nationwide clearance of coupons, sweepstakes, signage, direct mail and consumer advertising novelties, social media marketing, stealth and guerrilla marketing, and the use of unlicensed third-party promoters and service providers. We advise our clients on the compliance of ongoing promotions and advertisements and also assist in designing and implementing compliant promotional events. For many of our clients, who occupy global markets, we provide assistance in determining whether proposed alcohol advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns comply with applicable state and federal laws.
REGULATORY ACTIONS:
The alcohol industry is heavily regulated at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and at the state level by individual state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) departments. We have experience in dealing with these agencies to resolve accusations against licensees for a wide variety of violations, including unlawful sale of alcohol to minors, trade practice violations and exceeding license privileges.
LICENSING:
We advise clients regarding which specific licenses are necessary to conduct their businesses and prepare the necessary paperwork to obtain those licenses. We handle alcohol beverage licensure at the federal, state and local levels for locations throughout the U.S.
CONTRACTS:
Preparation and negotiation of key contracts is vital to success in the alcohol industry. We offer a wide range of services in this area, including drafting private label production contracts, import agreements, ingredient/commodity supply contracts and distribution agreements with licensed wholesalers.
STARTUPS:
We have extensive experience working with new entrants to the alcohol industry, as well as with experienced players who are bringing new brands and/or business concepts to market. We provide guidance and assistance for startup issues ranging from equipment procurement and capitalization to market penetration and mid-long term planning.