Trader Joe’s files an appeal over logo use

Trader Joe’s is back in court contesting the use of a logo with some similarities to its own. 

In January, a federal court in Los Angeles ruled that a logo which was used by a Trader Joe’s union does not resemble that of the logo used by the retailer, and therefore can continue to be used by the union in marketing and for other purposes. 

Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Hernan Vera dismissed the retailer’s lawsuit against the union, Trader Joe’s United, which had been using the logo on tote bags, buttons, mugs, and other products.

Now, the Monrovia, Calif.-based grocer has filed an appeal of that decision, reports an NBC affiliate.

When he dismissed the suit in January, Vera said at the time that the lawsuit could almost be interpreted as “frivolous and improper.” He said the union’s designs were not similar to Trader Joe’s trademarks, and that the only way consumers could buy any products with the Trader Joe’s United logo was on the union’s website.

Trader Joe’s filed the lawsuit last year, saying at the time that it believed the merchandise would confuse consumers into thinking the grocer endorsed the union or had a hand at creating the logo.

Trader Joe’s United asked for the suit to be dismissed in August, saying at that time that it believed Trader Joe’s lawsuit to be an attempt to discourage employees from unionizing.

Related:National Labor Relations Board hears complaints from a Trader Joe's store