ANNAPOLIS, Md. – “So apparently Old Bay doesn’t find us funny and they do not approve of *certain* herbs.”
That’s how Annapolis, Maryland company Crabcakes & Cannabis responded on their Facebook page after receiving threatening letters about a parody sticker they were selling.
The company, which sells a variety of Maryland-themed cannabis clothing and accessories, created a sticker with the words “420 BUD” on it. McCormick and Company, the Hunt Valley, Maryland spice company, the makers of Old Bay, says the sticker violates their trademark.
Jennifer Culpepper is the founder of Crabcakes & Cannabis. She decided they would no longer sell the sticker because they don’t want a lawsuit. But they stand by the fact that no reasonable consumer would confuse their novelty item with a food seasoning product.
“When a large business bullies a small business through costly litigation, it makes standing up for your rights nearly impossible. Regardless, we still love Old Bay. Our parody sticker was intended to pay homage to the Maryland brand, not to tarnish anyone’s reputation.”
While the company is disappointed to discontinue the sticker, it remains committed to its mission of spreading joy and creating community among Maryland cannabis enthusiasts.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
420 BUD sounds like someone’s 60some year mom tryin to be “cool” and “hip” about the latest cannabis law changes.
Old Bay needs to get over themselves and go cry in a bag of money.
“When a large business bullies a small business through costly litigation, it makes standing up for your rights nearly impossible.” LOL! The squeal of a self righteous small business owner who didn’t like being schooled on actual legal rights of businesses. “They bullied me.” No, they didn’t. Go to business school.
I love Old Bay, but they came across a little stodgy not being able to see the humor here. Trademark or not, the sticker company wins this PR bout.
If you had a copyright and someone created a parody product, you’d be all over legal action to protect your interest – period – so, step up and understand the legal issue here and stop acting like you are a victim!