Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co. filed a $10 million lawsuit Wednesday against Nestle S.A. and Nestle USA, alleging copyright infringement of its trademark checkered pattern that the later company allegedly use to sell baby food products in Puerto Rico.
The fight against the proliferation of counterfeit goods in Puerto Rico has been escalating in recent months, with the latest round taking place last week when local and federal law enforcement officials conducted seizures of knock-offs of nearly 20 brands sold by a handful of retailers that now face thousands of dollars in fines for violating copyright laws.