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).