the brewery was founded in 1839 by both local czech-speaking and german-speaking citizens in bohemian city of plzeň as (citizens' brewery, later translated to "měšťanský pivovar" in czech). the first beer was brewed here in 1842 by bavarian brewer josef groll. in 1859, “pilsner bier” was registered as a brand name at the local chamber of commerce and trade. in 1869, a competitor was founded as a joint stock company, later known as gambrinus. in 1898 the german trademark "urquell" and czech trademark "prazdroj" were created, to underline the claim of being the older, original source of pilsner beer. in 1932 "měšťanský pivovar" merged with "plzeňské aciové pivovary". in 1946, the brewery was nationalized under the name "plzeňské pivovary" (pilsen breweries).