EdgeCraft Corporation Prevails In Trademark Litigation Against Smith's Consumer Products Inc.

AVONDALE, Pa., July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- After three years of litigation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules in favor of EDGECRAFT Corporation in the trademark case against Smith's Consumer Products and their use of the Edgeware trademark. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), a panel of federal judges, has found Smith's Consumer Products' Edgeware trademark confusingly similar to the EDGECRAFT trademark owned by EdgeCraft Corporation and therefore "likely to cause, confusion, mistake, or deception."  As a result, they ordered cancellation of the three Edgeware trademark registrations.

EdgeCraft Corporation, in an effort to protect their world-renowned brands, filed the trademark registration cancellation action against Smith Consumer Product's for their usage of the Edgeware trademark as being confusingly similar to the EDGECRAFT mark. The case was decided by a panel of three federal judges that ruled the Edgeware mark, registered by Smith's for knife sharpeners and other kitchen products, as confusingly similar to the senior EDGECRAFT mark. EdgeCraft, the corporate name and registered trademark owned by EdgeCraft Corporation for knife sharpeners and other products, is a name that goes back to the company's launch in 1985.   

In his decision, Judge Anthony R. Masiello, who wrote the opinion, focused on EdgeCraft's contention that in a relatively brief period of time since Smith's adoption of the Edgeware trademark, there was a substantial amount of name and product confusion in the marketplace between both names. The judges reviewed the evidence of confusion and described one incident stating, "If this incident does not undeniably illustrate confusion as between the EDGECRAFT and Edgeware marks, the collection of circumstances underlying it are a near-perfect recipe for likely confusion." 

Says EdgeCraft Corporation President Sam Weiner, "We are pleased with this legal ruling. It should help us address the concerns expressed by many of our retailers about the confusion created by Smith's use of the Edgeware mark on store shelves, in catalogues and on the web." 

Because there were reported incidents of actual confusion among members of the trade, the ruling indicated that it is likely that consumers will also be susceptible to mistaking the trademarks. Weiner continues, "The federal judges' decision validates our concerns, which ultimately are to protect consumers so they can purchase EDGECRAFT and CHEF'SCHOICE sharpeners and other products without any fear of confusion--and with the confidence that they are buying the quality EDGECRAFT products that they intended to buy."

EdgeCraft owns numerous trademarks and patents worldwide. The company invests significant corporate resources to develop its unique technology and provide quality products while building brand recognition and goodwill. "We have to vigorously defend our intellectual properties in view of the major resources we have devoted to them and to protect our retailers and end use customers," continues Weiner.

Headquartered in Avondale, PA, EdgeCraft Corporation was launched in 1985 with the introduction of its Model 100 electric knife sharpener, which was immediately acclaimed worldwide for its performance and quality. Today, the company produces the world's most technologically advanced sharpeners on the market as well as high-quality cutlery, food slicers, waffle makers and mixes and hot beverage products. Marketed by EdgeCraft in 70 countries around the world under the EDGECRAFT and CHEF'SCHOICE brands, among others, its products are sold in leading department, cutlery, sporting goods, cookware, specialty, commercial food service, hardware and sewing stores as well as through mail-order and online retailers.

Contact: Valerie Gleason 610.268-0500, ext. 124
or by cell 302.275.2277

SOURCE EdgeCraft Corporation