Selena's estate issues notice to LA firms over tribute beer
The estate of the late Mexican-American superstar, Selena, has issued a "cease and desist" notice to two Los Angeles-based businesses. A brewery in Pico Rivera called Brewjeria and a lifestyle boutique in Highland Park had collaborated to create a limited edition beer named Tomo La Flor as a tribute to the singer. Agustin Ruelas, co-owner of Brewjeria, expressed disappointment over the legal action stating, "We just wanted to honor Selena."
'Queen of Tejano Music' died tragically at 23
Selena Quintanilla-Perez, popularly known by her first name, was a remarkable star in the world of Tejano music. After making a name in the male-dominated genre and gaining global acclaim, the Como La Flor singer's career and life were cut short abruptly. The president of her fan club shot and killed Selena on March 31, 1995, just 16 days before her 24th birthday.
Commemorative beer launched to celebrate Selena's birthday
The commemorative beer was a collaboration between Noelle Reyes, who organizes an annual pizza party at her Chicano lifestyle store, Mi Vida in Highland Park, and Ruelas. The launch of the unique hibiscus-and-guava pale ale was strategically planned to coincide with Selena's birthday, April 16. The tribute beer quickly gained popularity, selling out its initial batch of approximately 1,000 cans. However, plans for another production run were halted by the legal notice from Selena's estate.
Businesses insist tribute beer did not infringe rights
Both Ruelas and Reyes have maintained that their product did not violate any copyright or trademark laws. The design on the beer can, featuring a woman with short dark bob hair wearing a glittery necklace inscribed with "Tomo la Flor," was intended as an homage to Selena without infringing any legal rights or mentioning her name. Reyes insisted that the beer was merely an artistic tribute and not for profit.
This is not the first such case
To protect the late musician's image and likeliness from being used by businesses, Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla Jr., and her estate have sued several times. While there were attempts to stop a TV series on the singer, a cover band was also sued. The most recent legal tussle was between her father and a cruise line. In July 2023, Abraham sued Catalina Classic Cruises Inc. for illegally using Selena's design and word trademark to promote its "Cumbia Cruise" events.
