Judge Allows Smucker Trademark Suit Against Trader Joe’s to Proceed

U.S. District Judge John Adams denied Trader Joe’s request to dismiss or relocate the trademark-infringement lawsuit filed by J.M. Smucker Company, allowing the case to continue in federal court in Ohio.

Trader Joe’s attempt to dismiss Uncrustables lawsuit is denied

Smucker introduced the Uncrustables line of pre-made, crustless frozen sandwiches roughly two decades ago and has invested heavily in protecting the brand’s visual identity. In 2024 the company refreshed its packaging, a change that Trader Joe’s argues is not yet “famous” enough for dilution claims. The current dispute follows a similar trademark case filed by Mondelez International against Aldi in May 2025 over comparable packaging designs.

Trader Joe’s attempt to dismiss Uncrustables lawsuit is denied

Judge Adams noted that Smucker has devoted “significant resources” to developing and defending the Uncrustables design, and that consumers associate the sandwich’s shape and packaging with the brand. He also rejected Trader Joe’s motion to move the case to California, where the retailer is headquartered and its third-party sandwich supplier is located.

Trader Joe’s attempt to dismiss Uncrustables lawsuit is denied

Trader Joe’s contended that its products are “squircles” – square shapes with rounded edges – and that the crimped sides are functional, not decorative. The retailer further argued that the Uncrustables packaging introduced in 2024 lacks the notoriety required for a federal trademark dilution claim.

Smucker’s Uncrustables lawsuit against Trader Joe’s allowed to proceed

Smucker’s complaint asserts that the round shape, pinched edges and a bite-taken photograph on the packaging are central to its trademark, and that the blue color scheme closely resembles its own design. The company seeks an injunction to stop sales, destruction of infringing materials, restitution and unspecified monetary damages.

Trader Joe’s attempt to dismiss Uncrustables lawsuit is denied

• First-quarter 2026 revenue: $2.22 billion, exceeding analyst expectations.

Resilient J.M. Smucker stock holds near 52-week high as earnings and lawsuit momentum converge

• Uncrustables sales: 12 % year-over-year increase in the same quarter.

J.M. Smucker stock climbs on fresh earnings and lawsuit lift

• Stock performance: up 38 % year-to-date in 2026, trading at $132.71 per share as of August 28, 2026, near the 52-week high of $135.89 and well above the 52-week low of $88.25.

Resilient J.M. Smucker stock holds near 52-week high as earnings and lawsuit momentum converge

• Market capitalization: $14.177 billion at the August 28, 2026 price.

J.M. Smucker stock climbs on fresh earnings and lawsuit lift

• On August 26, 2026 the stock gained 4 % in a single session.

Resilient J.M. Smucker stock holds near 52-week high as earnings and lawsuit momentum converge

• “Smucker reaches too far. Its sandwiches’ appearance and cartoon avatar are no Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches,” — Trader Joe’s

The case will proceed in Ohio federal court, where Smucker may seek damages or an injunction pending further litigation. Outcomes could influence how food manufacturers protect product designs and affect Trader Joe’s future frozen sandwich offerings.