Johnson & Johnson sues American Red Cross over logo use

JOHNSON & Johnson has sued the American Red Cross over the use by the relief group and its partners of the company’s trademark red cross logo on first aid kits, hand sanitiser and medical gloves sold to the public.

Among other things, J&J asked the court to prohibit sales of those items and order the defendants to turn over unsold goods and monetary gains from sales of the disputed items, which are sold in stores such as Target and Wal-Mart.

In its lawsuit, the maker of Band-Aids said it has for more than 100 years “owned exclusive trademark rights in the Red Cross Design”.

Until recently, the two sides have cooperated amicably in enforcing their respective rights.

From time to time, the American Red Cross sold products bearing the symbol as fundraising efforts. Jeffrey J Leebaw, a spokesman for Johnson & Johnson, said the company had no objection to that.

But in 2004, the American Red Cross began licensing the symbol to commercial partners selling products at retail establishments. According to the lawsuit, those products include humidifiers, medical examination gloves, nail clippers, combs and toothbrushes.

American Red Cross president and chief executive Mark Everson called the lawsuit “obscene” and said the first aid kits and other items promote its humanitarian aim of helping Americans prepare for a disaster.