The J.M. Smucker Co. has taken legal action against Trader Joe’s, asserting that the grocery chain has copied its Uncrustables frozen sandwiches. The lawsuit, filed in an Ohio federal court, claims that Trader Joe’s round, crustless sandwiches look too similar to Smucker’s popular product, which has been well-loved by families for years.
In their complaint, Smucker stated that while they don’t mind competition in the prepackaged crustless sandwich market, they cannot stand by and let others use their intellectual property to sell similar products. The complaint also points out that Trader Joe’s packaging design infringes on Smucker’s trademarks, highlighting similarities such as blue lettering and an image of a sandwich with a bite taken out.
Customer confusion appears to be a real concern for Smucker, as they mentioned instances on social media where people mistakenly believed Trader Joe’s sandwiches were actually made by them under a private label agreement.
In response to the alleged copying, Smucker is seeking not only restitution but also a court order for the destruction of the similar sandwich products and packaging from Trader Joe’s. This case underscores the importance of brand integrity and protecting one’s intellectual property in a competitive marketplace.
Founded in 1897, J.M. Smucker Co. boasts a wide range of recognizable brands, including Folgers, Dunkin’, Jif, and many more. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how brands protect their products and trademarks.
