Watch the video above: Local hummus maker takes on corporate underwear giant
SASKATOON – A local company, Hanes Hummus, received a cease and desist letter from underwear giant Hanesbrands Incorporated.
“They said I need to immediately destroy all materials containing Hanes Hummus, the words,” explained Hanes Hummus owner Yohannes Petros.
Petros’ business began when he created hummus his friends loved, and they prompted him to sell it. Petros’ nickname is ‘Hanes’. He came up with what he considered to be a perfect name for his product, ‘Hanes Hummus’.
“I began approaching certain businesses here in Saskatoon and Regina, and 4 and a half years later, here I am,” he said.
Earlier this month, he tried to register the name with trademark officials.
Petros then received a cease and desist letter.
Hanesbrands told Petros that if he didn’t stop using the name, they would sue him.
“Your client’s mark incorporates the distinctive Hanes mark in its entirety and the mere addition of the generic wording hummus does not distinguish the marks,” explained associate general counsel Richard S. Donnell in the letter to Hanes.
“For one thing, they’re not in the business of selling hummus or manufacturing hummus, or any food product whatsoever,” said Petros’ attorney, Nathan Dooley.
“It frankly makes them look bad. They look like a corporate bully that is looking to coerce a settlement and force someone out of business.”
Global News reached out to Hanesbrands Inc., but they were unavailable for comment.
Petros says he’s not ready to give up.
He plans to continue fighting the American corporation to keep his product’s name.
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