Smucker's lawsuit against Trader Joe's over frozen PB&J can proceed, judge rules
A federal judge ruled that J.M. Smucker can proceed with its trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe's over frozen sandwiches similar to Uncrustables.Summary
A federal judge has ruled that J.M. Smucker can proceed with its lawsuit against Trader Joe's over frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Smucker claims Trader Joe's committed a trademark violation by introducing frozen crustless PB&Js with the same round shape and crimped edges as its Uncrustables product. Trader Joe's argued its sandwiches are "squircles" (square with rounded edges) and that the crimped design is functional, not trademarked. The judge rejected Trader Joe's motion to dismiss, finding that Smucker has devoted significant resources to developing and protecting the Uncrustables brand over 20 years, and that customers associate the design with the brand. The judge also denied Trader Joe's request to move the case to California. Smucker is seeking restitution and wants all products and packaging delivered for destruction.
(Source：Headtopics)