Intellectual Property
Sep. 9, 2025
9th Circuit revives Trader Joe's trademark suit against union over merchandise sales
The court ruled that a district judge erred in dismissing allegations that apparel and tote bags sold by Trader Joe's United could confuse consumers and dilute the grocer's marks. The panel also vacated an attorney fee award and sent the case back to district court.
Citing a 1979 precedent, a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel revived a Lanham Act claim by the Trader Joe's Co. supermarket chain against its union for selling merchandise that it claims is causing consumer confusion and diluting its trademarks.
The panel also ruled that U.S. District Judge Hernan D. Vera of Los Angeles prematurely concluded that the Norris-LaGuardia Act barred him from granting injunctive relief based on the union's argument that the trademark case...
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