Introduction to the Lawsuit
Trader Joe’s has found itself in a sticky situation with Smucker’s over its sale of crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
J.M. Smucker Company, the maker of Uncrustables, filed a lawsuit in federal court on Oct. 13 alleging the similar sandwiches sold at Trader Joe’s are an “obvious copycat” infringing on its trademarks.
Details of the Lawsuit
Ohio-based Smucker’s sued Trader Joe’s in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, false designation of origin and deceptive trade practices, according to the lawsuit filing. Smucker’s said in court documents that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches sold by Trader Joe’s mimic the shape, packaging and colors on the boxes of Uncrustables, which are popular frozen sandwiches in various flavors that need to be thawed out before eating.
Allegations of Trademark Infringement
The company said in the lawsuit that the allegedly similar packaging and shape has caused consumers to be “deceived” into thinking the Trader Joe’s sandwiches are actually Uncrustables, citing a TikTok video and an Instagram post as evidence. Smucker’s alleges that the competing sandwiches use the same “round pie-like shape” and “undulated crimping” of Uncrustables as well as boxes with graphics of the sandwiches with a bite taken out of them, which the company says infringes on its trademarks.
History of Uncrustables
Smucker’s says in the lawsuit it has been using the graphic of the bite taken out of the sandwich on its boxes since 2000, and the shape of the sandwiches since 1996. Uncrustables are the No. 1 frozen handheld brand in its category in the U.S. and a product of decades of marketing and product development that cost the company more than $1 billion, Smucker’s says in the lawsuit.
Response from Trader Joe’s and Smucker’s
Trader Joe’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Smucker’s shared a statement with NBC News regarding the lawsuit: “As a responsible trademark owner, we actively monitor the marketplace and enforce our federally registered trademarks to protect the distinctive Uncrustables sandwich design and round shape. Our focus is solely on protecting the unique trademarked design that represents the high quality associated with the Uncrustables brand and preventing consumer confusion caused by imitation.”
Demands from Smucker’s
Smucker’s is asking for unspecified monetary damages and seeks an order to stop Trader Joe’s from selling the sandwiches it claims are copycats of Uncrustables. Smucker’s also wants all products and marketing materials from the Trader Joe’s sandwiches allegedly infringing on its trademarks to be delivered to Smucker’s to be destroyed.
Previous Trademark Disputes
The company made a similar claim in 2022 against Minnesota-based prepackaged sandwich startup Gallant Tiger. Smucker’s sent a cease-and-desist letter to the small company, which was selling round crustless sandwiches with flavors like “blueberry bourbon sage jam and peanut butter” and was accused by Smucker’s of trademark infringement over the shape and packaging of its sandwiches. Smucker’s has also faced competition from other companies producing crustless PB&J sandwiches packed with more protein than Uncrustables amid a craze from consumers for high-protein foods.
Conclusion
The lawsuit between Smucker’s and Trader Joe’s highlights the importance of trademark protection in the food industry. As companies continue to innovate and compete, it is essential to respect the intellectual property rights of others to avoid legal disputes. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have implications for the future of food product design and trademark enforcement.
FAQs
- Q: What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by Smucker’s against Trader Joe’s?
A: Smucker’s alleges that Trader Joe’s crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches infringe on its trademarks, including the shape and packaging of its Uncrustables products. - Q: What is Smucker’s seeking in the lawsuit?
A: Smucker’s is seeking unspecified monetary damages, an order to stop Trader Joe’s from selling the allegedly infringing sandwiches, and the destruction of all products and marketing materials related to the sandwiches. - Q: Has Smucker’s been involved in similar trademark disputes in the past?
A: Yes, Smucker’s has previously accused other companies of trademark infringement over similar products, including a 2022 dispute with Gallant Tiger. - Q: What is the significance of the lawsuit for the food industry?
A: The lawsuit highlights the importance of trademark protection and respect for intellectual property rights in the food industry, where product design and branding can be crucial for consumer recognition and loyalty.
