Judge allows Smucker trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe's over frozen sandwiches to proceed

Federal judge rules J.M. Smucker can sue Trader Joe's over frozen sandwiches resembling Uncrustables.

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U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled on 2026-08-28 that J.M. Smucker can proceed with its trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe's over frozen sandwiches that Smucker claims resemble its Uncrustables. ^[1] Trader Joe's said in court filings that its frozen sandwiches are not round but 'squircles' (square sandwiches with rounded edges), and that the crimped design is needed to keep the contents inside. ^[2] U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled on 2026-08-28 that Smucker had devoted significant resources to developing and protecting Uncrustables over the past 20 years and that customers associate the design trademarks with the brand. ^[3] Trader Joe's argued in a January court filing that their sandwiches are 'squircles' (squares with rounded corners) and that Smucker's packaging design lacks the notoriety required for a federal trademark dilution claim. ^[4]

What this stands on

Trader Joe's said in court filings that its frozen sandwiches are not round but 'squircles' (square sandwiches with rounded edges), and that the crimped design is needed to keep the contents inside. · Winnipeg Free Press

U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled on 2026-08-28 that Smucker had devoted significant resources to developing and protecting Uncrustables over the past 20 years and that customers associate the design trademarks with the brand. · Winnipeg Free Press

Trader Joe's argued in a January court filing that their sandwiches are 'squircles' (squares with rounded corners) and that Smucker's packaging design lacks the notoriety required for a federal trademark dilution claim. ·

Primera HoraPuerto Rico

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