Wrigley Sues California Cannabis Brand Zkittlez for Trademark Infringement
Wrigley has filed a lawsuit against Terphogz's Zkittlez brand for trademark infringement, demanding cessation of the brand's use and destruction of related merchandise
Key Points
- 1Wrigley sues Terphogz for trademark infringement over Zkittlez brand
- 2Lawsuit demands cessation of Zkittlez brand use and destruction of merchandise
- 3Legal action filed in both Illinois and California courts
- 4Zkittlez strain previously won Best Flower at the 2016 Emerald Cup
- 5Outcome may set precedent for cannabis branding and trademark issues
Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars and one of the world's largest candy manufacturers, has filed a lawsuit against the California-based cannabis company Terphogz. The legal action targets Terphogz's use of the Zkittlez brand, which Wrigley claims infringes on its Skittles trademark. The lawsuit includes allegations of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and cybersquatting, demanding that Terphogz cease using the Zkittlez name, destroy related merchandise, surrender the zkittlez.com domain, and cover legal fees
The conflict between Wrigley and Terphogz highlights the ongoing tension between established brands and emerging cannabis companies. Terphogz, which promotes the Zkittlez cannabis strain, has rebranded itself as 'The Original Z' on social media. Despite its defense that it has never collaborated with candy or edible companies, Wrigley's lawsuit suggests that the cannabis brand's name and marketing strategies are too similar to the iconic Skittles brand
Wrigley has pursued legal action in both Illinois and California, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its trademark. According to documents filed in Chicago, the candy giant is concerned about unlicensed THC-infused products using Skittles and Starburst branding. This legal move is part of a broader effort to curb the sale of illicit cannabis edibles that resemble popular candy brands, which are particularly concerning due to their appeal to children
The Zkittlez strain gained fame after winning the Best Flower award at the 2016 Emerald Cup, one of the most prestigious cannabis competitions globally. However, the cannabis industry has seen similar trademark disputes in the past, with strains like Gorilla Glue and Girl Scout Cookies being forced to rebrand to GG4 and GSC, respectively. These cases underscore the challenges cannabis companies face in navigating branding and intellectual property rights
Looking ahead, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how cannabis brands navigate trademark issues. As the legal cannabis market expands, companies must be cautious in their branding strategies to avoid conflicts with established trademarks. The case also highlights the need for clearer regulations and guidelines to help cannabis businesses operate within legal boundaries while fostering innovation