Tag: New York

  • Kahlua® Makers Pursue “Kahfua” Makers in Court

    Absolut Co. has filed a complaint and a motion for an injunction against Happy Hearts Wine LLC, a New York City importer of Israeli wine, after Absolut noticed a Certificate of Label Approval filed with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for “Kahfua,” which it alleges is too close to Kahlua®. Absolut Co.…

  • Putative Class Action Challenges Gerber’s Infant Formula Immunity Benefits Claims

    Two plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against Gerber Products Co. alleging that the company misrepresented its Gerber® Good Start® infant formula by advertising it as the “first and only formula whose consumption reduces the risk of infants developing allergies.” Hasemann v. Gerber Prods. Co., No. 15-2995 (E.D.N.Y., filed May 21, 2015). The complaint echoes a…

  • Abbott Labs Faces Proposed Class Action over “Organic” Infant Formula

    A group of consumers has filed a putative class action against Abbott Laboratories, Inc. alleging the company misrepresents its Similac Advance® Organic Infant Formulas because several of the ingredients are banned by federal law from use in food labeled “organic.” Marentette v. Abbott Labs., Inc., No. 15-2837 (E.D.N.Y., filed May 15, 2015). The plaintiffs challenge…

  • OFPA Does Not Preempt Putative Class Challenge to “Organic” Labels, Court Finds

    A New York federal court has granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that Hain Celestial’s Earth’s Best® food and body-care products are deceivingly labeled as “organic,” finding that the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) does not preempt the plaintiffs’ claims. Segedie v. Hain Celestial Grp., No. 14-5029…

  • Red Bull False Advertising Settlement Approved

    A New York federal court has reportedly approved an agreement between Red Bull GmbH and a class of consumers, settling allegations that Red Bull falsely advertised its product as providing more benefit than coffee provides. Careathers v. Red Bull N. Am. Inc., No. 13-0369 (S.D.N.Y., order entered May 1, 2015); Wolf v. Red Bull GmbH,…

  • “Barefoot Contessa” and Seafood Company Reach Settlement

    Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa” and her company have reportedly reached a settlement agreement with Aqua Star (USA) Co. less than one month after the celebrity chef filed a complaint alleging trademark infringement for frozen dinners bearing the phrase “Contessa Chef Inspired.” Barefoot Contessa Pantry LLC v. Aqua Star (USA) Co., No. 15-1092 (U.S. Dist. Ct., S.D.N.Y.,…

  • Hall & Oates Allege Trademark Infringement by “Haulin’ Oats” Granola

    Whole Oats Enterprises, a partnership of musicians Daryl Hall and John Oates, has filed a lawsuit against Early Bird Foods & Co. alleging that the name of the company’s “Haulin’ Oats” granola product infringes on their trademarks. Whole Oats Enters. v. Early Bird Foods & Co., No. 15-1124 (E.D.N.Y., filed March 4, 2015). The musicians own…

  • Blue Diamond Almond Milk Target of New “All Natural” Action

    A consumer has filed a putative class action in New York federal court against Blue Diamond Growers alleging that the company deceptively labels its Almond Breeze Almond Milk as “All Natural” despite containing potassium citrate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, and D-Alpha-Tocopherol. Harlam v. Blue Diamond Growers, No. 15-877 (E.D.N.Y., filed February 19, 2015). The plaintiff…