Rare Moon Shine Soda Bottle Label Ex Faygo 1980s Liquor Still NOS Hillbilly Pop

Description

Rare Moon Shine Soda Bottle Label Ex Faygo 1980's Liquor Still Hillbilly
New Old Stock, Never Applied
5" x 3.25"
MoonShine was originally produced by Faygo, in the 60's and 70's as an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Mountain Dew, and the popularity of the "Hillbilly" theme of the times. As the label notes, this label and brand was bottled under the authority of Bottler's International out of Clearbrook, VA, Alec Gunter's company.  According to the Can Museum, this brand in this iteration was first produced in 1980, and was discontinued after it became the subject of a lengthy legal battle during the early 1980's, between Gunter and Faygo, see details below.
These labels were salvaged from an R.C. Cola plant that was being torn down in Asheville, NC. These labels were included in a number of historical soda items. Rare in commerce and an interesting soda collectible. The label has great colors and graphics featuring a lounging "Hillbilly" next to a liquor still sitting atop a crescent moon.
1982 --- Plaintiff-appellee Faygo Beverages, Inc. commenced an action against defendant-appellant Gunter seeking, among other relief, an injunction to prevent Gunter from threatening both Faygo and its customers with trademark infringement actions; in response, Gunter counterclaimed alleging that Faygo was infringing upon his trademark in the soft drink 'Moonshine.'
2
Alec Gunter and one Powell doing business as a partnership obtained trademark registration on the soft drink 'Moonshine.' After obtaining registration, Gunter and Powell entered into a licensing agreement with Feigenson Brothers Co., the predecessor company of Faygo Beverages, Inc. From the time Gunter obtained trademark registration in 1966 through 1977, he made various transfers of his interest in the trademark 'Moonshine' and also underwent personal bankruptcy proceedings between 1971 and 1974. In 1977, Gunter unilaterally terminated Faygo's license to 'Moonshine,' alleging that he had re-obtained a 100% interest in the mark. Faygo, however, apparently failed to acknowledge either the efficacy or validity of Gunter's actions. In 1982, Gunter conveyed all his rights, title, and interest in the trademark Moonshine to his wife.
3
Faygo brought an action against Gunter seeking an injunction to prevent Gunter from threatening both Faygo and its customers with infringement actions, asking for declaratory relief, and requesting damages for Gunter's infringement of its trademark, 'Faygo Moonshine.' Gunter counterclaimed contending, among other things, that Faygo was infringing on his 'Moonshine' trademark and that Faygo was competing unfairly with him.