Smucker’s Lawsuit Against Trader Joe’s Over Frozen PB&J Can Proceed

PUBLISHED Aug 31, 2026, 10:16 PM ET

A federal judge has ruled that the J.M. Smucker Company can move forward with its trademark infringement lawsuit against Trader Joe's regarding popular frozen crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Smucker originally filed the legal complaint in a federal court located in Ohio, alleging that Trader Joe's knockoff items improperly copied the distinctive round shape, crimped edge design, and general box styling of its flagship Uncrustables product. In response, lawyers representing Trader Joe's argued that their frozen sandwiches feature a square shape with rounded edges known as squircles rather than a circle, and claimed the crimped border remains functionally necessary to seal the food inside safely. However, U.S. District Judge John Adams rejected requests to dismiss the litigation entirely, noting that Smucker has dedicated extensive corporate resources over two decades to establish firm consumer recognition for the brand. Smucker is currently seeking financial restitution alongside a court mandate ordering destruction.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

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Left: Progressive media frames corporate litigation as routine big business protectionism. Center: Neutral outlets report legal arguments and judicial procedural decisions fairly. Right: Conservative commentators emphasize intellectual property rights protection for private corporations.