Johnson & Johnson And American Red Cross Announce Resolution Of Lawsuit, UK

Main Category: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 18 Jun 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Johnson & Johnson and the American Red Cross are pleased to announce resolution of the litigation over the Red Cross emblem. Both organizations have used the Red Cross emblem for over 100 years consistent with their respective missions, and both will be able to continue to use it in the same way going forward.

The recent litigation - claims by Johnson & Johnson and counterclaims by the American Red Cross -- was a dispute about the respective rights of the two entities. While the litigation could have continued through an upcoming trial and appeal, the parties have concluded that it is more productive to accept the rulings by Judge Jed S. Rakoff, set the remaining disputes aside, and direct attention instead to their respective missions. Accordingly, the parties have agreed to dismiss all of their remaining claims and counterclaims.

American Red Cross acting president and CEO Mary S. Elcano said, "We are pleased that the court upheld our right to use our trusted emblem and this dispute is behind us so we can focus on delivering lifesaving Red Cross services to people in need. Johnson & Johnson has supported the Red Cross mission for many years, and we at the Red Cross are pleased we can count on the support of Johnson & Johnson to meet emergency needs as they arise at home and around the world. Now, with the dispute resolved, we look forward to many years of continued cooperation."

Johnson & Johnson chairman and CEO William C. Weldon said, "We join with the Red Cross in expressing our pleasure that this dispute is over. Johnson & Johnson brought the lawsuit very reluctantly only to protect what we believed were important trademark issues. The decision of the court has brought clarity to those issues, including its ruling that Johnson & Johnson has properly used its valued Red Cross trademark over the years, and we have no desire to continue our dispute through trial and appeal. We are pleased with this resolution and look forward to working together with the Red Cross in the years ahead."

The American Red Cross and Johnson & Johnson continue to work together on multiple emergency response projects. In a recent example, Johnson & Johnson and its CEO participated June 6th as part of a delegation of companies hosted at the American Red Cross national headquarters to assess needs and opportunities in responding to the recent earthquake in China.

About Johnson & Johnson

Caring for the world one person at a time inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our 119,500 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://www.redcrosschat.org.

American Red Cross

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