Old Bay Claims Biscayne Bay Copied Packaging Design

There is a Florida-based spice maker apparently trying to tap into Old Bay's traditional market. And it has led to a lawsuit.

The Daily Record reports that put a container of Badia Spices' "Biscayne Bay Seafood Seasoning," next to Old Bay and you might think you're seeing double.

At least, that's the claim at the root of a federal trademark infringement lawsuit McCormick has filed. The suit alleges Badia Spices deliberately copied the signature Old Bay packaging design and adopted a moniker that incorporates the word "bay" in order to benefit from the reputation associated with the Sparks-based spice giant's brand.

The infringement has already been "widely observed" within the industry and mentioned in articles about the Biscayne Bay blend, according to the suit.