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Yuengling wants 'Philly Special' trademark for its beer

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. recently filed a trademark application for "Philly Special" and is considering applying the phrase to one of its beers. It is the sixth company or person to seek the trademark since the Super Bowl.

The Ray’s Special (a shot of whiskey and a can of Yuengling beer) at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar. Now, Yuengling wants to make its own beer special … Philly Special.
The Ray’s Special (a shot of whiskey and a can of Yuengling beer) at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar. Now, Yuengling wants to make its own beer special … Philly Special.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON

Move over, Bud Light. There's a new brewery hopping on the Eagles bandwagon.

Actually, it's the oldest in the country.

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. recently filed a trademark application for "Philly Special." The company is considering applying the phrase to one of its existing beers — such as Yuengling Lager — in the Philadelphia region, or perhaps using it for a new beer altogether.

"The past few weeks have been so exciting for Philadelphia fans everywhere," Yuengling's marketing director, Tyler Simpson, said in a statement. "We thought there might be something fun we could do for loyal Yuengling drinkers in the Philadelphia region."

The Pottsville-based brewery is now the sixth company or person to file a "Philly Special" trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since the Eagles debuted the gadget play during the Super Bowl.

The other applicants are seeking exclusive rights to use the phrase for clothing and sandwiches, the Inquirer and Daily News reported Monday.

"We're still exploring options and would love to hear what the fans think a Philly Special could be," Simpson said. "We want to have fun with it and may have our Philadelphia fans vote for their favorite idea."

Simpson said Thursday that the options were "wide open." The company might use the name for a special pack of new beer, or slap it on brands like Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, or "other things," he said.

"This Philly Special idea would be for our loyal Yuengling and Philadelphia fans," Simpson said, noting that the company's logo and packaging has always included an eagle.

Founded in 1829, D.G. Yuengling & Son is America's oldest brewery and the fourth-largest U.S. beer-maker.

Reconnecting with Philadelphia drinkers might not be such a bad idea.

Richard "Dick" Yuengling backed Donald Trump for president and even hosted his son Eric in October 2016. Smart move in Schuylkill County, where Yuengling is located. Trump took 70 percent of the vote there.

But the Trump endorsement probably wasn't the ideal marketing strategy in Philadelphia, where Hillary Clinton won 83 percent of the vote.