Court fight erupts over ownership and branding rights tied to beer venture
Summary
– Hulk Hogan’s estate objects to $10 million claim from Carma HoldCo Inc.
– Carma alleges it created the Real American Beer concept before being cut out
– Estate denies binding deal and seeks dismissal of lawsuit
A legal dispute surrounding Real American Beer has intensified, with Hulk Hogan’s estate formally challenging a multi-million-dollar claim tied to the brand.
Court filings show that Carma HoldCo Inc., a celebrity branding company, is seeking $10 million in damages. The company argues that it originated the Real American Beer concept and had positioned Hogan as the face of the project before being pushed aside once the venture gained traction.
Carma initially filed its claim in January, alleging breach of contract against the estate. The company contends that it had been developing the beer line under the “Real American” name and that former associates bypassed them to secure a direct deal with Hogan. The dispute dates back several months, with Carma previously launching a federal lawsuit alleging its former president used company materials to pitch a competing agreement.
The estate has firmly rejected those allegations. Attorney Alan S. Gassman filed a formal objection, stating that Carma never secured a binding agreement with Hogan and never produced an actual beer product. The defense also maintains that the company holds no proprietary beer-related trade secrets and has requested that the court dismiss the claims.
The financial stakes are considerable. Hogan’s estate reportedly includes more than $11 million in real estate holdings, as well as cryptocurrency assets and intellectual property rights. With Real American Beer tied closely to Hogan’s name and likeness, control over the brand carries significant commercial value.
What began as a branding disagreement has evolved into a high-stakes legal confrontation. The outcome could ultimately determine who had the authority to launch a beer brand associated with one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable figures.
