Budvar was founded in 1895; Budweiser was founded in 1876. The fact that Budwar claims to be the real Budweiser only shows how screwed up EU laws are.
Budvar is based in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, known historically as Budweis in German. Beer has been brewed there since the 13th century, and the term “Budweiser” (meaning “from Budweis”) was used to describe beers from this region long before either company existed. Budvar argues that its beer is the authentic “Budweiser” because it is brewed in the original Budweis, using local ingredients and traditional methods tied to the region’s centuries-old brewing heritage.
Budějovický Budvar is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication, akin to Champagne for sparkling wine from that region.
Anheuser-Busch, founded in St. Louis, Missouri, began producing its Budweiser beer in 1876, inspired by the Bohemian brewing style and the fame of Budweis beer. Adolphus Busch, a German immigrant, chose the name “Budweiser” to evoke the prestigious Czech brewing tradition, but the beer was brewed in the United States, not Budweis. Budvar argues that Anheuser-Busch’s use of the name is an appropriation of a geographic term, not an original creation.