News

Dairy Queen asks for freeze on rival's sales

July 27, 2010

One frozen yogurt company has gotten a little too close for comfort to Dairy Queen's Blizzard. International Dairy Queen has asked a California court to freeze sales of the Blizz Frozen Yogurt, claiming its name is too similar to Dairy Queen's iconic treat.

According to Business Week, Dairy Queen claims the Blizz, made by Yogubliz Inc., is causing confusion among the Blizzard faithful.

Yogubliz filed a pre-emptive suit in May, saying the two products are distinct.

In a statement released this week, Dairy Queen claims the name confusion has caused "irreparable harm and damage to the goodwill of Blizzard trademarks."

Dairy Queen added the Blizz product would dilute the distinctive quality of the Blizzard, which is marking its 25th anniversary this summer.

Yogubliz has shops throughout California and in Las Vegas. It received a trademark last year for its Blizzberry product, a blended drink made with fruit, milk and frozen yogurt.

A hearing on the issue is set for Aug. 23 in a U.S. District Court.