Business & Finance
Federal judge allows Smucker trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe's to move forward
A judge rejected Trader Joe's request to dismiss or transfer a lawsuit alleging its frozen sandwiches copy Smucker's Uncrustables.
The short version
- U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled that J.M. Smucker's trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe's can proceed in an Ohio federal court.
- Smucker claims Trader Joe's frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches infringe on its Uncrustables trademarks regarding shape, crimped edges, and packaging.
- Trader Joe's argued its sandwiches are 'squircles' with functional crimping and requested the case be dismissed or moved to California, which the judge denied.
- Smucker is seeking financial restitution and a court order requiring Trader Joe's to surrender competing products and packaging for destruction.
Key facts
- U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled that J.M. Smucker's trademark infringement and dilution lawsuit against Trader Joe's can proceed in federal court in Ohio.[Associated Press]
- Smucker alleges Trader Joe's frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches copy Uncrustables' shape, crimped edges, and packaging design.[Associated Press]
- Trader Joe's requested to dismiss the case or transfer it to California, arguing its sandwiches are 'squircles' and that crimping is a functional necessity.[Associated Press]
- Judge Adams rejected the transfer request, citing Smucker's 20 years of brand protection and established customer association with its trademarks.[Associated Press]
- Smucker is seeking financial restitution and the destruction of Trader Joe's competing frozen sandwich inventory and packaging.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The ultimate court ruling on whether Trader Joe's product shape and packaging actually constitute trademark infringement or dilution remains undecided.[Associated Press]