Stop & Shop, Whole Foods Settle Trademark Infringement Suit
Quincy, Mass.-based Stop & Shop reached a settlement with Whole Foods on a trademark infringement lawsuit that claimed Whole Foods had stolen Stop & Shop's "Real Deal" marketing campaign. Stop & Shop had filed the suit in July.
"The dispute has been resolved amicably," Stop & Shop spokesman Rob Keane told Progressive Grocer. "Whole Foods has agreed to no longer use the 'Real Deal' marks."
Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods adopted its "The Real Deal" ad campaign in June, a month after Stop & Shop's promotion rolled out. Stop & Shop also said that Whole Foods' "Real Steal" in-store signage for bargain items would confuse shoppers.
"Whole Foods Market [now] uses the name 'The Whole Deal' for its value guide and customer tips site on its Web page," company spokeswoman Robin Rehfield told PG.
"The dispute has been resolved amicably," Stop & Shop spokesman Rob Keane told Progressive Grocer. "Whole Foods has agreed to no longer use the 'Real Deal' marks."
Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods adopted its "The Real Deal" ad campaign in June, a month after Stop & Shop's promotion rolled out. Stop & Shop also said that Whole Foods' "Real Steal" in-store signage for bargain items would confuse shoppers.
"Whole Foods Market [now] uses the name 'The Whole Deal' for its value guide and customer tips site on its Web page," company spokeswoman Robin Rehfield told PG.