Don't Name Your Furniture Store After A Grocery Store
On May 14, 2015, Aldi Inc., the grocery store chain, sued Aldis Furniture Inc. for contempt of a 2002 consent decree. See Aldi Inc. v. Aldsi Furniture Inc., et al., 2:15-cv-2696 (N.D. Ill.). The parties tussled before and the obvious and inevitable trademark infringement action brought by the grocer against the retailer resulted in a 2002 agreement. The retailer, however, apparently thought 13 years was long enough and opened a new furniture retail store named:
The whole affair falls into the "duh" category by the defendant. However, it underscores a trend in furniture retailing. Furniture is being sold everywhere--including grocery stores. Next time you are at your neighborhood large chain grocery store look around. I bet you will find at least some outdoor furniture for sale. In the meantime, let's hope that the Aldi's Furniture folks are wise enough to quickly change their name (again).
The whole affair falls into the "duh" category by the defendant. However, it underscores a trend in furniture retailing. Furniture is being sold everywhere--including grocery stores. Next time you are at your neighborhood large chain grocery store look around. I bet you will find at least some outdoor furniture for sale. In the meantime, let's hope that the Aldi's Furniture folks are wise enough to quickly change their name (again).
