A trademark battle between two beverage makers — one of them backed by St. Joseph native and supermodel Kate Upton — has ended with a name change and settlement, according to reporting from Crain’s Detroit Business and Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Vosa Spirits LLC, the Florida-based company Upton joined as co-owner in 2023, has agreed to discontinue the use of “High Line” for its ready-to-drink canned vodka cocktail. The move ends a months-long legal fight with Highline Spirits Co., a small, female-owned distillery headquartered in Dexter, Michigan.
Highline Spirits, launched in 2021, produces bourbon, rye and whiskey and operates taprooms in both Dexter and Plymouth. The company holds the registered trademark for “Highline” and told Crain’s it attempted to resolve the issue through two cease-and-desist letters before filing suit in federal court last March.
Vosa, Upton’s company, introduced its “High Line” canned cocktail in the spring of 2023. After the lawsuit was filed, Vosa paused production and marketing of the product over the summer while the two sides continued discussions. A confidential settlement was reached earlier this month. Terms were not disclosed, but Crain’s reports Vosa will retire the name and avoid further use of the “High Line” branding.
Highline founder Christi Lower told Crain’s the legal fight, while necessary, slowed the company’s own plans to enter the rapidly growing ready-to-drink beverage category. The distillery now expects to shift attention back to product development, beginning with a new 375-mL whiskey sampler pack planned for early 2026.
Upton, whose parents were longtime St. Joseph residents, became an investor and public face of Vosa Spirits as the company expanded its distribution footprint over the past year.
MOTM will continue watching for updates as Vosa finalizes its new product name and as Highline resumes its growth plans following the dispute.
(image from Highline Spirits website)
