Trader Joe’s Sues Union For Using Trademarks on Merchandise (1)

Trader Joe’s Co. filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a union representing some of its employees, alleging that labor organizers sold merchandise with the grocery store’s logo without permission.

The complaint filed Thursday in the US District Court for the Central District of California claimed Trader Joe’s United began selling tote bags, apparel, mugs, and buttons featuring the Trader Joe’s name in its unique typeface and signature red font.

The union’s “knowing, willful, unauthorized use of Trader Joe’s valuable trademarks on merchandise sold to the general public is irreparably harming,” the lawsuit said.

The complaint also said the union was ...