Harvard lager label row

A ROW is brewing over the use of the name "Harvard" on a beer produced in New England, writes Jon Marcus in Boston.

Lowell Brewing Co. Inc. says it has merely revived a lager produced from 1898 until 1956.

But Harvard University says the Harvard insignia on the label looks suspiciously like the university's trademarked logo, and that the use of its name violates trademark laws.

University officials argue that the name Harvard Beer sends the wrong signal at a time when American universities and colleges are trying to reduce excessive drinking by their students.

Harvard would not confirm if it plans to sue the brewery.