Oreo’s vs Oreoz: Snack Giant Clashes with Cannabis Industry
The world of sweets and confections was turned upside down when Oreo’s and Oreoz, a potent cannabis strain, found themselves entangled in a legal dispute. This tug-of-war between cookies and cannabis, initiated by the cease-and-desist order Mondelez International sent to cannabis growers, has thrown a spotlight on broader tensions within the snack and cannabis industries.
The Root of the Conflict
Naming cannabis strains after popular food items isn’t a new phenomenon. However, when the name begins to infringe on established trademarks, the legality becomes murky. Oreoz, a popular cannabis strain known for its heavy potency and vivid resin coverage, recently found itself in hot water with Mondelez International, the owner of the Oreo’s trademark.
Infringement Allegations
Mondelez, in its cease-and-desist letter, argues that cannabis breeders and growers exploited the “overwhelming success and the fame of the Oreo’s brand.” They particularly highlighted the strains named Oreoz, Lemon Oreoz, and Mint Oreoz, claiming the names were “virtually identical to our client’s famous mark.”
Strains Under Scrutiny
Adding fuel to the fire, the attorneys delved into the genetics and flavor profile of the strain, which supposedly mirrors that of a chocolate sandwich cookie. “That you are selling and marketing a strain of product that has a scent or flavor profile that brings to mind a chocolate cookie sandwich does not give you the right to use our client’s mark,” the letter read.
Previous Incidents of Infringement
This isn’t the first instance of a cannabis product being embroiled in a trademark dispute. Strains such as Girl Scout Cookies (now GSC) , Gorilla Glue #4, and Zkittlez have previously faced litigation threats, leading to rebranding and name changes.
Expanding the Battleground
Recently, six companies producing cannabis-infused snacks received cease-and-desist letters from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The issue was their packaging and branding, which resembled kid-friendly food items, such as Oreo’s and other popular snacks.
Final Warning
“Anyone making commercial use of Oreoz or any other mark that calls to mind the Oreo’s trademark or that is misusing for commercial purposes our client’s marks or designs is violating our client’s rights and is violating the law,” Mondelez’s attorneys warn. This stern warning is a clear testament to the changing landscape of the snack and cannabis industries, where more rigorous regulations are becoming the norm.
Future Implications
In the wake of this legal dispute, it remains to be seen how cannabis growers will navigate these murky waters. For now, it’s clear that popular snack brands are not willing to back down when their trademarks are on the line. As the cannabis industry continues to flourish, it’s certain that more conflicts like “Oreo’s vs Oreoz” will emerge.
