The Grodna Typeface Story Behind Madrí Excepcional
I created Grodna in 2017 as an independent typeface inspired by the architecture and visual heritage of my hometown, Oradea. Years later, I encountered letterforms within the identity of Madrí Excepcional that, in my view, closely correspond to distinctive features of the Grodna typeface. I had never entered into any agreement relating to the use of Grodna for the Madrí brand. This website documents the evidence, chronology and legal proceedings surrounding that dispute.
This site exists to tell that story. It is a case study in real time, tracing how a typeface born in Oradea ended up powering one of Europe’s fastest-growing beers. It is also a window into a bigger question: what happens when independent creative work collides with corporate expansion?
The timeline below follows each step from the creation of Grodna, to its unlicensed use in Madrí’s identity, to the legal and ethical dispute that continues today.
In 2021, Molson Coors brought London-based Buddy Creative on board to elevate Madrí Excepcional’s branding. The agency revitalized the visual identity enhancing the red wordmark (rooted in the Grodna typeface) and rolling it out across cans, bottles, and off-trade packaging. This marked the brand’s big push into supermarkets and retail channels.
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Molson Coors introduced Madrí Excepcional to the UK in October 2020, brewed in Wolverhampton and Tadcaster but marketed as “El Alma de Madrid”. In this first phase, the brand appeared mainly in pubs on taps, glassware, and related print materials. The bold red wordmark, visually echoing the Grodna typeface, began its journey into the British market.
In 2019, Madrí Excepcional introduced a bold red wordmark that closely reflects the design features of the Grodna typeface. As the typeface’s author, I had not granted any licence or authorisation for this use. From this point, Grodna’s letterforms became visibly tied to the brand’s identity and its international rollout.
A serif typeface inspired by Oradea’s Art Nouveau heritage. What began as a personal tribute soon gained international recognition.