Skittles Sues THC-Infused Zkittlez For Trademark Infringement
CHICAGO– Mars, the owner of Skittles candies, filed complaints against Terphogz, the maker of THC-infused candy Zkittlez, for trademark infringement. (Image: Skittles, Mars Wrigley Inc)
One of the complaints filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois named Tephogz and several Illinois-based companies that purchase, advertise and resell Zkittlez in the state.
Federal Lawsuits were filed last week in Illinois and California and in Canada seeking to halt the sale of Zkittlez goods, drug paraphernalia, clothing and merchandise.
“At Mars Wrigley we take great pride in making fun treats that parents can trust giving to their children and children can enjoy safely. We are deeply disturbed to see our trademarked brands being used illegally to sell THC-infused products, and even more so to hear of children ingesting these products and becoming ill,” a Mars company spokeswoman said in a email to CNBC, who first reported this story.
Skittles seeks damages from Terphogz and its resellers. Further, they are asking the court to place a permanent injunction on the sale of any products using Zkittlez marks and hand over any products or merchandise using the marks.
Wrigley wants the Zkittlez website transferred to it and all social media accounts be disabled and that Terphogz withdraw its trademark application for the brand.
“Terphogz’s Zkittlez Marks are substantially identical in sight, sound, meaning, and commercial impression to Wrigley’s Skittles Marks,” the filing states, citing the red packaging as an example.
Wrigley said it is concerned the similar product names are confusing to consumers, and it could hurt the company’s reputation.
Newsteam Author: Mark Collins, Highly Capitalized Copyright © 2021. All Rights Reserved. (Image: Mars)
About the Author: HCN News Team
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