The is an infringement on its trademark name.
"[The Alliance for Animals] is obviously intending to trade on the goodwill in the Brat Fest Marks, since it has scheduled its festival for the same time period as the food festival in connection with which the Brat Fest Marks are used," said the letter from attorney Robert Petershack.
A similar letter was sent to Whole Foods, which hosted the event. Petershack seeks assurances that the alternative event will make no further use of this name "or we will be forced to take appropriate action."
"It's strictly a trademark issue," says Tim Metcalfe, the event's top brat. "Like if somebody were to start a new newspaper in town called Isthmus." He notes that the owners of trademarks are required to defend against infringements.
Lori Nitzel of the Alliance for Animals says she's still weighing how to respond.
