28 April 2016
MJ Biz write:
In a lawsuit filed on April 20, Stash Tea also charges that Stash Cannabis hurts the tea company’s brand “by misappropriating and using the likenesses of Stash Tea’s trademarks in connection with the sale of marijuana, and marijuana-related products and services.”
Stash Tea’s trademark extends to the sale of “dried plants and tea,” Willamette Week reported. Stash Tea is seeking an injunction, legal costs, and damages that include profits. The marijuana store recently said its sales were $3,000 to $4,000 a day.
Stash Cannabis owner Chris Matthews told Willamette Week he’s hired a trademark lawyer to defend his company and that he doesn’t believe his business, which opened last September, affects that of Stash Tea.
The late beverage entrepreneur Steven Smith, who also founded Tazo Tea Co., founded Stash Tea in 1972. The Yamamotoyama Tea Co. of Japan acquired Stash Tea in 1993.
Large Tea Company Sues Small Cannabis Shop Over ‘Stash’ Name
Here’s what Oregon Live are saying
The federal court lawsuit filed by Stash Tea against Stash Cannabis includes an exhibit of photos which Stash Tea contends illustrates damage against the Stash Tea trademark. (screen shots)
Stash Tea Co. is suing Stash Cannabis Co., accusing the Beaverton marijuana dispensary of trademark infringement.
The tea company, which was started about 40 years ago and is based in Tigard, says the marijuana dispensary should be stopped from “infringing Stash Tea’s Trademarks in any manner,” including using the website stashcannabiscompany.com.
The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Portland, seeks a jury trial. Stash Tea seeks monetary damages, but no amount is specified.
The lawsuit lists four U.S. trademarks Stash Tea holds. It says the company served Stash Cannabis with two cease and desist letters over “ongoing and unauthorized activity” before the lawsuit was filed.
Stash Cannabis owner Chris Matthews said Wednesday, “we’re in talks with them right now,” declining to comment further on the lawsuit. He said Stash Cannabis opened at 9952 S.W. Beaverton Hillsdale Highway in September.
