Mars Canada Investigates Illicit Cannabis Retailers for Unlawful Use of Skittles Branding
Mars Canada Investigates Illicit Cannabis Retailers for Unlawful Use of Skittles Branding
Candy manufacturer Mars Canada Inc. has won a lawsuit against several illicit online cannabis retailers in Canada who have been selling products using logos and branding associated with Skittles.
The lawsuit, which included a thorough investigation, resulted in a federal judge ruling that three illicit online retailers stop selling and destroy the unlicensed products, and pay more than $45,000 in fines and penalties to Mars Canada Inc. The companies being sued by Mars were King Tut Cannabis, West Coast Supply, Shrooms Online, Flash Buds, and Sure Buds.
Mars used a private investigator to review the websites of those advertising products using the Mars-owned brands, and to purchase the products.
Two of the companies investigated, West Coast Supply and Shrooms Online, said they did not carry the products, although Mars’ representative provided screenshots from those websites showing such products advertised.
A third, Sure Buds, listed the products, but an order placed by investigators was not processed.
Mars’ investigators did buy and receive such products from the fourth, Flash Buds, the court heard.
According to a press release from May 2021, Mars was looking to prevent the illegal misuse of the company’s trademarks in the marketing and sale of THC-infused edibles, which closely resemble Mars Wrigley’s genuine products such as SKITTLES® and STARBURST®. Mars Wrigley does not manufacture or sell any products containing THC. Mars used a private investigator to review the websites of those advertising products using the Mars-owned brands, and to purchase the products.
Black market brands in Canada and the US have often used packaging and branding that mirrors or closely mimics well-known candy brands, and such packaging is readily available for purchase online for products like Skittles, Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, and many other candies.
In a press release in 2021, Mars Wrigley said it “Strongly condemns the use of popular candy brands in the marketing and sale of THC products, which is grossly deceptive and irresponsible. The use of Mars Wrigley’s brands in this manner is unauthorized, inappropriate and must cease, especially to protect children from mistakenly ingesting these unlawful THC products.”
Another courtroom win coming from a solid investigation. As we often see, legal investigations done well can lead to BIG victories in the courtroom or more favorable settlements. We know that success or failure in the courtroom or during the settlement process depends on having the very best, most detailed information about a case. That’s why great attorneys and law firms across the country work with the worldwide team of Santoni Investigations who will make sure you know everything to maximize the settlement process or win your case in court!
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