Trader Joe's sues employee union for trademark infringement

Grocery-store chain Trader Joe's has filed a lawsuit against its employee union, Trader Joe's United, in Los Angeles federal court, alleging that the union's sale of merchandise featuring the company's name and logo infringes its trademark rights. Trader Joe's claims that the union's tote bags, buttons, mugs, and other products could confuse customers into thinking they were made or endorsed by the company. The union responded by accusing Trader Joe's of engaging in a "union-busting campaign" and violating the National Labor Relations Act, claiming that the lawsuit is an attempt to undermine its funding.