Federal Judge Sides With Red Cross

Late Wednesday Federal Judge Jed Rakoff ruled against the Johnson & Johnson company in its suit to stop the American Red Cross from using its emblem and authorizing others to use its emblem in the sale of products related to its mission.
Judge Rakoff squarely held that the Red Cross’s activities “do not violate the criminal prohibition contained in 18 U.S.C. 706. They also do not violate the Red Cross’s congressional charter or the Geneva Convention.”
J&J had claimed the Red Cross was commercializing the emblem but the judge wholly rejected this idea, stating "The fact that the ultimate purpose of these licensing activities is a ‘charitable purpose’ — i.e. to raise funds that A.R.C., a not-for-profit organization, can utilize for its charitable endeavors — only further emphasizes their legitimacy." The money the Red Cross receives from the sale of these products is reinvested in its humanitarian programs and services. To find out more about the case click here