KOF-K Kosher Accuses Jetblue Of Selling Food With Unauthorized Use Of Their Symbol

KOF-K Kosher filed a lawsuit against JetBlue Airways Corp. on Thursday in New Jersey, alleging that JetBlue had illegally used its trademarks to promote food it had not certified.

The lawsuit claims that without the organization’s permission, New York-based JetBlue offers an artichoke snack that it claims to be approved by Kof-K Kosher Supervision.

According to the lawsuit, Kof-K has never authorized JetBlue to use its trademarks or certified any of the airline’s products as kosher.

JetBlue employee confirmed that the company was looking into the claims on Friday.

Jewish dietary regulations are strictly followed when preparing kosher meals. Kof-K, situated in Teaneck, New Jersey, certifies kosher goods domestically and abroad.

According to the JetBlue menu, the “Mediterranean-inspired snack box” contains artichoke snacks that have been “Kosher approved by KOF-K Kosher Supervision.” The menu also includes other foods advertised as kosher-certified by other organizations.

Elma Farms, the manufacturer of the artichoke snacks, was not mentioned in the case.

Kof-K charged JetBlue with trademark infringement and dilution for using its name and the logo it employs to indicate whether a product has been approved (the logo does not appear on a document submitted as an exhibit). Under New Jersey law, it also claimed JetBlue committed consumer fraud.

In addition to asking the court to order the airline to stop using its trademarks and removing the snacks, Kof-K asked for an unspecified sum in damages.

Kof-K Kosher Supervision v. JetBlue Airways Corp., No. 2:22-cv-04200, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.