Hershey’s is suing Colorado-based weed edibles manufacturer Mari`juanka LLC for infringement and dilution of their brand, ABC Denver reports. The legal edibles are parodies of famous Hershey’s candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and York Peppermint Patties. The lawsuit alleges:
Defendants, who are well aware of the fame and popularity of these Hershey products and marks, are manufacturing and selling cannabis- and/or tetrahydrocannabinol-laced chocolate and candy products using names, marks and designs that are knock-offs of Hershey’s famous REESE’S, HEATH, ALMOND JOY and YORK trademarks and trade dresses, in order to increase sales of defendants’ cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol candy products, draw additional attention to their products, confuse consumers as to the source of their products, call to consumers’ minds Hershey’s famous and beloved brands, and otherwise to trade on the goodwill of Hershey and its brands.
Recently in California, a drug ring was busted for lacing Jolly Ranchers and other candy with weed, which could have potentially dosed “innocent children.”
Though it seems unlikely that anyone would walk into a dispensary to buy a regular candy bar, it makes sense that Hershey’s doesn’t want their family friendly, totally healthy corn syrup tarnished by weed, even if it’s a parody and the weed is legal. (Center image: Consumerist)
