Hallmark Sues Dollar General
By George Anderson
Hallmark Cards has filed a lawsuit against Dollar General alleging the dollar store chain is selling knock-offs of nine styles of gift bags the company has copyrights on.
Hallmark is asking for unspecified monetary damages as well as having the judge order Dollar General to remove and destroy the alleged knockoffs. It is also asking that Dollar General company to run ads to inform consumers of the alleged misdeed.
Dollar General has refused comment on the case.
Moderator’s Comments: How big an issue are branded product knockoffs and look-alikes in the retail market? Where
does the line need to be drawn before a private label or other product crosses the line to being too similar to branded products protected by copyright and patents?
–
George Anderson – Moderator