Category: Issue 593
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Viacom Pursues Alleged “Krusty Krab” Infringers
Viacom International Inc. has filed a lawsuit against IJR Capital Investments alleging that a restaurant owned by the company infringes on Viacom’s intellectual property in the “SpongeBob SquarePants” franchise. Viacom Int’l Inc. v. IJR Capital Invs., No. 16-0257 (S.D. Tex., Houston Div., filed January 29, 2016). As the complaint explains, “The ‘Krusty Krab’ is owned by…
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Vodka Sauce Allegedly Mislabeled as “All Natural”
A New York consumer has filed a putative class action against Victoria Fine Foods alleging the company falsely advertises its vodka sauce as “all natural” and free of preservatives despite containing citric acid. Shmidt v. Victoria Fine Foods, No. 16-0230 (E.D.N.Y., filed January 15, 2016). The complaint asserts that Victoria “sought to capitalize on consumers’…
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Bacardi Files FOIA Request for “Havana Club” Trademark Determination
Bacardi Ltd. has reportedly filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information on the renewal of a trademark registration for “Havana Club” granted to Empresa Cubana Exportadora de Alimentos y Productos Varios (“Cubaexport”), a Cuban government-owned entity. Cubaexport had filed for a renewal in 2006, but the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets…
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Chinese Firms Fined for Spreading KFC “Mutant Chicken” Rumors
A Shanghai court has reportedly fined three Chinese technology companies for their part in spreading rumors that KFC fare is produced with “mutant chickens” with eight legs and six wings. KFC filed a lawsuit in June 2015 seeking damages for economic losses and damage to its reputation. The court reportedly ordered the companies to make…
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PETA’s Lawsuit Against Whole Foods Dismissed
A California federal court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Inc. (PETA) alleging Whole Foods Market Inc. falsely advertises its meat as ethically slaughtered. PETA v. Whole Foods Mkt., Inc., No. 15-4301 (N.D. Cal., order entered January 29, 2016). The organization challenged Whole Foods’ five-step Global Animal Partnership rating…
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Ohio Court Affirms Dismissal of Kroger “Humanely Raised” Chicken Dispute
An Ohio appeals court has affirmed a lower court decision finding that two consumers’ mislabeling allegations against The Kroger Co. are preempted by the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). Arnold v. Kroger Co., No. C-150291 (Ohio Ct. App., 1st App. D., Hamilton Cty., order entered January 22, 2016). The consumers alleged Kroger’s chickens were not…
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Russian MP Proposes “Graphic” Warning Labels on “Junk Food” and Fast-Food Packaging
Russian MP Oleg Mikheyev has reportedly asked the government to require “graphic warning labels” on fast-food packaging in an effort to stop the spread of obesity and improve the health of Russian citizens. Mikheyev, who previously proposed a tax on “junk food,” also argued that producers of food products such as potato chips or soft…
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EFSA Seeks to Revise Consumer Exposure Estimates for Food Contact Materials
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavorings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) has issued a scientific opinion recommending revisions to the safety assessments conducted for food contact materials (FCM). After considering scientific comments received during public consultation, the CEF Panel advocates new standards for estimating food intake and calculating…