Federal judge allows Smucker's trademark case against Trader Joe's to move forward

U.S. District Judge John Adams determined that J.M. Smucker may pursue its trademark infringement suit against Trader Joe's over frozen peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches that resemble Uncrustables. Smucker contended that the rival product copies the round shape, crimped edges, and packaging colors of its iconic snack.

Trader Joe's countered that its sandwiches are “squircles,” that the crimped design is functional, and that Uncrustables packaging introduced in 2024 lacks the fame required for a dilution claim. Adams noted Smucker's long-standing efforts to protect the brand, concluding consumers link the design to Uncrustables. He also rejected Trader Joe's motion to relocate the case to California, where the chain and its sandwich supplier are headquartered. The lawsuit seeks monetary relief and an order for Trader Joe's to destroy the contested products and packaging.