In a rare instance of trademarks colliding with labor law, Trader Joe’s sued its own labor union for trademark infringement! Read more my latest article published October 1, 2025 on IP Watchdog.
Trader Joe’s sued the labor union, called Trader Joe’s United, for selling merchandise bearing the union’s name. These products, according to the complaint, mimic the Trader Joe’s trademark and create the public misimpression that the products are sponsored by Trader Joe’s. The union protested that the suit was baseless and a mere tactic to block union activity. The district court agreed with the union, but the appellate court reversed.
The article discusses the Trader Joe’s dispute and its significance within the trademark litigation field more broadly.