Lansing-based Lion Labs changed the name of its THC-infused hard chocolate candies from Potdots to Potpots.
The parent company that makes the well-known Tootsie Roll candy issued a stern cease-and-desist letter to a Michigan cannabis edibles company, forcing the marijuana business to rebrand one of its more popular offerings.
Lansing-based Lion Labs announced in a news release that it was changing the name of its product line of THC-infused hard chocolate candies from Potdots to Potpots, after Tootsie Roll sent the company a notice threatening legal action and contending that Potdots was infringing on the trademark of Tootsie Roll’s “Dots” candies.
“While Lion Labs firmly believes there is no merit to the claim, it opted to change its name to Potpots to avoid protracted legal proceedings with the nationwide candy company,” Lion Labs said in a release.
Lion Labs CEO Ryan Ratzloff said the company is “disappointed” in the situation, but other than the one-letter renaming, its product line will remain unchanged.
“We look forward to avoiding any dispute and are excited for our 1 milligram edible’s new name: Potpots,” Ratzloff said.
For more than a decade, mainstream candy companies and food makers have been sending such letters to marijuana startups that have produced knock-off goods infused with marijuana based on popular foods. Most cannabis companies choose the path of least resistance and rebrand, as Lion Labs did, instead of duking it out in court with companies like Tootsie Roll or Hershey’s.
Lansing-based Lion Labs said would change the name of its product line of THC-infused hard chocolate candies from Potdots to Potpots. Read More