AUSTIN, Texas -- Amplify Snack Brands Inc., manufacturer of SkinnyPop, has filed a federal trademark infringement and unfair competion lawsuit against Snyder's-Lance for its recently acquired brand called Metcalfe's Skinny Popcorn.
The lawsuit, filed April 11, alleges that Snyder's-Lance's "actions constitute willful infringement of Amplify's mark and an obvious attempt to confuse consumers."
Snyders-Lance's Kettle Foods took full control of popcorn maker Metcalfe’s Skinny last fall. (The brand is currently not yet available in the United States.) The U.K. brand's premium snack line adds popcorn, as well as corn and rice cakes, to Kettle Foods’ portfolio and reflects the company's overall desire to grow its standing in the better-for-you snack category, according to London-based FoodBev Media. Last year's acquisition followed growth of more than 45% in the U.K.'s popcorn market over the past two years.
"Snyder's-Lance's and Metcalfe's effort to copy our brand name is flattering but not how trade comptitors should behave," said Tom Ennis, Amplify's CEO. "Even now, infringing products are being sold by Snyder's-Lance and Metcalfe that include false registration marks and which are attempting to trade off the goodwill of our SkinnyPop brand."
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