(2007-08-22) Jand J Suing Red Cross

J And J is suing the Red Cross over commercial use of the cross. One of Johnson & Johnson's oldest trademarks is the Red Cross design. We began using the Red Cross design and "Red Cross" word trademarks in the United States in 1887, predating the chartering of the American Red Cross. The company has had exclusive rights to use the Red Cross trademark on products in certain categories for over 100 years. Since its creation, the American Red Cross has had the rights to use the Red Cross trademark in connection with its non-profit relief services... It was disappointing to discover in recent months that the American Red Cross had started a campaign to license the trademark to several businesses for commercial purposes on all types of products being sold in many different retail and other commercial outlets. These products include baby mitts, nail clippers, combs, toothbrushes and humidifiers, as well as products that fall within Johnson & Johnson's longstanding product categories.