Legal Marijuana Candy Sees First Trademark Suit in Colorado

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A hot topic of recent months has been the legalization of marijuana. After the State of Colorado legalized it, we here at Abnormal Use wondered what legal problems might arise when those laws went into effect earlier this year. We certainly suspected that there would be litigation, but a new suit filed in federal court  is not exactly what we had in mind. The Hershey Company has filed suit against TinctureBelle, LLC, alleging that the Colorado candy manufacturer’s marijuana-infused chocolates improperly mimic the names of famous Hershey products. According to a report from Denver’s ABC-7:

The lawsuit argues: “Defendants, who are well aware of the fame and popularity of these Hershey products and marks, are manufacturing and selling cannabis- and/or tetrahydrocannabinol-laced chocolate and candy products using names, marks and designs that are knock-offs of Hershey’s famous REESE’S, HEATH, ALMOND JOY and YORK trademarks and trade dresses, in order to increase sales of defendants’ cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol candy products, draw additional attention to their products, confuse consumers as to the source of their products, call to consumers’ minds Hershey’s famous and beloved brands, and otherwise to trade on the goodwill of Hershey and its brands.”

We understand Hershey’s concerns about trademark infringement, but surely it is an honor to be the first company honored by legal pot candy. It is difficult to get too upset with TinctureBelle when its creativity inspired names such as “Hashees” (Reese’s) and “Ganja Joy” (Almond Joy). Again, Hershey has the right to be concerned about trademark confusion, and we certainly understand the basis for the litigation. On the other hand, we seriously doubt consumers are buying these products because of their resemblance to Hershey products. After all, TinctureBelle has its own secret ingredients.

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