Issue Date: Vol. 50, No. 12, December 2010, Posted On: 11/30/2010
Hershey Suit Alleges Infringement
by Staff Reporter
Hershey, Mars Inc., candy, chocolate candy, Reese's, Mars Dove peanut butter Promises Squares, candy competition lawsuit, Hershey trademarks, vending machine candy
HARRISBURG, PA --The Hershey Co. (Hershey, PA) has filed suit in federal district court here, charging Mars Inc. (McLean, VA) with infringement and dilution of Hershey trademarks, and unfair competition.
Hershey is prepared to argue that the package graphics design of Mars' Dove peanut butter Promises squares resembles the familiar orange, tan and brown graphics long used on Hershey's popular Reese's-brand chocolate and peanut butter confections.
Mars has sought a court ruling that it isn't infringing Hershey's trademarks.
Hershey is the largest producer of chocolate candy in the United States; Mars is in second place.