Smucker Sues Trader Joe's Over PB&J Sandwiches
Smucker is suing Trader Joe's, alleging that its new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too similar to Smucker's Uncrustables in design and packaging.
Uncrustables were invented by two friends in 1996 and Smucker acquired the company in 1998.
- The round, crustless sandwiches sold by Trader Joe's have the same pie-like crimp markings on their edges as Uncrustables.
- The boxes of Trader Joe's PB&J sandwiches are the same blue color used by Smucker for Uncrustables packaging.
- The boxes also feature a sandwich with a bite mark, similar to the Uncrustables design.
Smucker asserted that the design and packaging of Trader Joe's PB&J sandwiches violate its trademarks.
Author's summary: Smucker sues Trader Joe's over similar PB&J sandwiches.