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Drug Giant Sues Red Cross Over ... Red Cross

Johnson & Johnson claims trademark infringement

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 9, 2007 10:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pharmaceutical behemoth Johnson & Johnson has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the American Red Cross over its signature logo, the Wall Street Journal reports. The suit claims the humanitarian organization is violating the Johnson & Johnson trademark by licensing the signature red cross symbol to companies for use on products such as first aid kits.

The suit, which demands punitive damages and that all licensed products with the cross be destroyed, is "bizarre," the head of the American Red Cross said. "For a multi-billion-dollar drug company to claim that the Red Cross violated a criminal statute—simply so that J&J can make more money—is obscene."

Brad Shaffer keeps warm at the American Red Cross emergency shelter at the Kansas Expocentre, in Topeka, Kan., on Monday, May 7, 2007. Shaffer was evacuated from his house after a nearby creek overflowed  its banks.  (AP Photo/Topeka Capital-Journal, Anthony S. Bush)
Brad Shaffer keeps warm at the American Red Cross emergency shelter at the Kansas Expocentre, in Topeka, Kan., on Monday, May 7, 2007. Shaffer was evacuated from his house after a nearby creek overflowed...   (Associated Press)
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