Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver Sued for Trademark Infringement

The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG), a
nonprofit consumer-advocacy and food-safety certification group,
has filed a lawsuit against celebrity chef Jamie Oliver alleging that
his website displays a designation on gluten-free recipes that
infringes the group’s trademarks. Gluten Intolerance Grp. of N.
Am. V. Jamie Oliver Enters., No. 17-1028 (W.D. Wash., filed July
7, 2017). GIG alleges that Oliver’s website displays the letters “GF”
inside a circle near gluten-free recipes, a mark which is identical
or substantially similar to one of GIG’s registered word and design
marks. Claiming trademark infringement, counterfeit of a
registered mark, unfair competition and false designation of
origin under the Lanham Act, the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief,
recall of all materials using the contested mark, a public
disclaimer of connection with GIG, corrective advertising,
damages and a designation of the lawsuit as an exceptional case
entitling GIG to an award of attorney’s fees.

Issue 640