EdgeCraft Prevails in Trademark Case Against Smith’s Consumer Products

After three years of litigation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled in favor of EdgeCraft Corp. in a trademark case against Smith’s Consumer Products and its use of the Edgeware trademark. 

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), a panel of federal judges, found Smith’s Consumer Products’ Edgeware trademark was confusingly similar to the EdgeCraft trademark owned by EdgeCraft Corp. and therefore “likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception.” As a result, they ordered cancellation of the three Edgeware trademark registrations.

EdgeCraft, in an effort to protect its brands, filed the trademark registration cancellation action against Smith’s Consumer Products for its usage of the Edgeware trademark. The three federal judges ruled the Edgeware mark, registered by Smith’s for knife sharpeners and other kitchen products, was confusingly similar to the EdgeCraft mark. EdgeCraft, the corporate name and registered trademark owned by EdgeCraft for knife sharpeners and other products, is a name that goes back to the company’s launch in 1985. 

Judge Anthony R. Masiello, who wrote the opinion, focused on EdgeCraft’s contention that in a relatively brief period since Smith’s adoption of the Edgeware trademark, there was a substantial amount of name and product confusion in the marketplace. 

EdgeCraft’s president, Sam Weiner, said, “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 catalogs and on the Web.”

Because there were reported incidents of actual confusion among members of the trade, the ruling indicated it is likely that consumers will also be susceptible to mistaking the trademarks. Weiner said, “The federal judges’ decision validates our concerns, which ultimately are to protect consumers so they can purchase EdgeCraft and Chef’s Choice sharpeners and other products without any fear of confusion.”

EdgeCraft owns numerous trademarks and patents worldwide. Headquartered in Avondale, Pa., EdgeCraft was launched in 1985 with the introduction of its Model 100 electric knife sharpener. Today, the company produces sharpeners as well as high-quality cutlery, food slicers, waffle makers and mixes and hot beverage products.