P&G extends Folgers Coffee patent lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in Cincinnati, Ohio, amends a current complaint alleging that Kraft’s new 4lb (1.8kg) plastic container for Maxwell House coffee infringes P&G patents for its Folgers Coffee brand.

The new claim also alleges certain Maxwell House and Tassimo coffee products infringe an additional P&G patent on Folgers Coffee.

The lawsuit seeks to stop Kraft Foods from selling the infringing Maxwell House and Tassimo coffee. It also seeks the recovery of damages.

Steve Jemison, P&G chief legal officer, said: “We made significant investments in our Folgers Coffee business and we must protect our intellectual property from the continuing and expanding infringement by Kraft’s Maxwell House and Tassimo coffee products.

“Many of our Folgers innovations are covered by patents. We believe it is imperative that we protect our large investment in consumer-preferred product improvements against Kraft’s multiple infringements.”

Kraft Foods is challenging the lawsuit. In a statement it said: “P&G is determined to monopolise the market on plastic packaging for roast and ground coffee. Kraft does not believe P&G has the right to do so.”

P&G is currently in the process of selling the Folgers brand to JM Smucker Company for $2.95bn (£1.8bn).

P&G introduced Folgers Coffee in a consumer-preferred plastic container in 2003.

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