The J.M. Smucker Company has filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, accusing the grocery chain of trademark infringement related to its popular Uncrustables sandwich product.
The lawsuit was filed in Ohio and claims Trader Joe’s “back to school” crustless sandwich product is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the fame and recognition of Smucker’s Uncrustables brand.
The big picture: Smucker alleges Trader Joe’s product uses blue packaging similar to that of Smucker’s branding, adding to the confusion and infringement claims.
- Despite this, Smucker stated it does not object to other companies selling prepackaged, frozen, thaw-and-eat crustless sandwiches, but opposes unauthorized use of its intellectual property.
- Smucker seeks restitution from Trader Joe’s for the alleged trademark violations.
GO deeper: Trader Joe’s sandwiches appear slightly more square compared to Uncrustables, which could support their argument that their product is not identical.
- Uncrustables were invented in 1996 by two friends in Minnesota and acquired by Smucker in 1998, with patents for a sealed, crustless sandwich secured in 1999.
- Smucker has invested over $1 billion in developing the Uncrustables product and brand over 20 years, including perfecting stretchy bread and expanding flavor options.
Flashback: This is not Smucker’s first legal action to protect the Uncrustables brand; in 2022, it sent a cease and desist letter to a Minnesota company, Gallant Tiger, for producing a similar crustless sandwich.
