ST. LOUIS — To many older Americans, the Schlafly name is most closely associated with Phyllis Schlafly, the conservative commentator known for her campaign to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s.
A younger generation knows Schlafly as the brand of an up-and-coming St. Louis brewery co-founded by Schlafly’s nephew Tom more than two decades ago.
Now the federal agency that oversees trademarks is being asked to decide whether Schlafly is primarily a last name or a commercial brand that deserves legal protection.
Phyllis Schlafly has asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to deny the request.
“She has fans and critics,” Tom Schlafly said. “I want to sell to both of them. The last thing I want to do is antagonize her followers because I hope they drink Schlafly beer, too.”
