JM Smucker Company is suing Trader Joe’s over its new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, claiming they closely resemble Smucker’s Uncrustables in design and packaging. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Ohio, argues that Trader Joe’s sandwiches have similar crimp marks and a blue box design that infringes on Smucker’s trademark.
Smucker seeks compensation and wants Trader Joe’s to destroy the merchandise. Although Smucker does not object to other companies selling similar sandwiches, it insists that its intellectual property should be protected. Legal experts note that Trader Joe’s may counter by arguing that the sandwich design is functional.
Smucker highlights its significant investment in the Uncrustables brand, having spent over $1 billion over 20 years to develop it. The lawsuit also mentions issues of consumer deception, as Smucker suggests that Trader Joe’s could mislead customers due to the similarities.
This is not the first time Smucker has legally defended its brand; in 2022, they sent a cease-and-desist letter to another company for producing a similar product. Experts predict that trademark lawsuits often lead to settlements, as both parties want to avoid lengthy legal battles.
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