Both company banners begin with a "w" and end
with "s" without
an apostrophe. They also sell a number of the same products. That's pretty
much where the comparisons begin and end when it comes to Walgreens and Wegmans.
That's what makes the lawsuit that Walgreens recently filed against Wegmans
for trademark infringement over the grocery chain's logo a bit of a head scratcher.
The drugstore chain's suit contends that Wegmans' logo is likely to be confused with its own and could lead consumers to believe there is some affiliation between the two entities.
According to a Bloomberg report, Walgreens is asking for "an accounting of Wegmans' profits and an award that can be attributed to the alleged infringement, together with money damages, and awards of litigation costs and attorney fees. Walgreen claims Wegman's infringement is 'flagrant and deliberate' and asked that the damages be tripled as a result."
Discussion Question: What is your reaction to Walgreens' suit against Wegmans
over its logo?
[Editor's Commentary] It strains the rational mind to think that consumers
who typically shop at these chains would ever confuse one for the other as
a result of a logo. Even giving Walgreens credit for its view, it's hard to
see how the drugstore's reputation could be anything but enhanced should a
mistake of affiliation between the two chains exist in the minds of some.