Johnson & Johnson are suing the Red Cross. Yep. I don't think I need to say much more, but I should probably give some context. Apparently whilst the red cross was given international rights to 'the red cross' back in 1864, the american branch of the red cross didn't open until after johnson & johnson had trademarked the symbol in 1887. Those kind hearted people at J & J put up with it til now, but have now changed their minds (cos the red cross sell some stuff for profit which is then syphoned directly back to their charitable work). So not only are they suing them to get them to stop using it, they're demanding back all profits made to date by the red cross and all their lawyers fees paid. This is the company with a yearly net income of 11 billion US dollars.
Personally I'm now boycotting their products which, unfortunately, are many. Course some people may agree that they've got a right to protect their brand, and I'm not suggesting anyone else do likewise. But in my opinion, if you choose to trademark a symbol which is already being used by a major international humanitarian organisation, you're a) an idiot or b) asking for trouble.
3 comments:
It would be nice if the American government punished Johnson & Johnson by removing their right to the symbol. After all, the association with thework done by Red Cross organisations across the world has helped them become the hugely profitable company that they are. Sadly that will not happen. However what is good is that the publicity will draw attention to the distinction between them and the warm feelings people have for the Red Cross. So; load weapon...point at foot....
Dad
Maybe J & J should start suing hospitals and ambulances all over the world who are using the symbol...and why stop there, I think the Swiss flag is a rip off to their branding. .. How greedy can you be? Great for their corporate image too! I'll be joining you in your boycott action.
My darling, if you boycott J&J they'll notice a lot more than when I do - they make most baby products, so it'll be much more effective!
And pops - it certainly is a pretty good exercise in shooting yourself in the foot, huh?! Surely someone at that meeting should have gone - ermmmm is this really a good idea, people?
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