Duracell Sues Missouri Importer of Gray Market Batteries

Duracell filed a lawsuit on April 27 accusing JRS Ventures of trademark infringement and unfair competition related to its imports of gray market Duracell batteries, according to a complaint filed in Northern Illinois U.S. District Court. Duracell says JRS Ventures has been importing batteries manufactured in China and marked as for original equipment use only. The batteries are intended to be sold to other manufacturers for direct incorporation into their products, and not for importation into the U.S. and sale to consumers, Duracell said. The packaging on the batteries lacks information for consumers, including Duracell’s guarantee and customer service number, it said. Duracell’s demand to stop selling the batteries was rejected by JRS Ventures, the complaint said. Duracell seeks an injunction against JRS Ventures, as well as damages.