Additional Coverage:
- Trader Joe’s accused of copying Smucker’s Uncrustables sandwiches (foxbusiness.com)
Smucker’s Sues Trader Joe’s Over “Uncrustables” Look-Alikes
The J.M. Smucker Co., the Ohio-based food giant, has filed a federal lawsuit against popular grocery chain Trader Joe’s, alleging that the latter’s frozen sandwiches are too similar to Smucker’s well-known Uncrustables.
Filed Monday in an Ohio federal court, the lawsuit claims Trader Joe’s round, crustless sandwiches with their distinctive crimped edges are a direct imitation of the Uncrustables brand. Smucker further alleges that Trader Joe’s packaging design infringes on its trademarks, noting similarities in blue lettering and the use of an image of a sandwich with a bite taken out – elements prominently featured on Uncrustables packaging.
“Smucker does not take issue with others in the marketplace selling prepackaged, frozen, thaw-and-eat crustless sandwiches,” the company stated in its legal filing. “But it cannot allow others to use Smucker’s valuable intellectual property to make such sales.”
The lawsuit contends that these similarities have already led to customer confusion, citing a social media post where a user mistakenly believed Trader Joe’s sandwiches were a private label product manufactured by Smucker.
Smucker is seeking financial restitution and a court order that would require Trader Joe’s to hand over the infringing sandwich products and their packaging for destruction.
Trader Joe’s has not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.
The J.M. Smucker Co. owns a wide array of popular brands, including Folgers, Dunkin’, Café Bustelo, Jif, and Hostess, in addition to its namesake Smucker’s and the Uncrustables line.
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- Trader Joe’s accused of copying Smucker’s Uncrustables sandwiches (foxbusiness.com)