Saving "SPAM" Hormel's Fight to Protect Its Famous Product's Name

March 2, 2007

Spam, the meat mix that is a combination of pork shoulder, ham and a host of other ingredients, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The folks at Hormel Foods are rightly proud of their product. Indeed, they are beyond proud. They are downright protective. So protective, that Hormel has been involved in a long-running, multi-million dollar trademark dispute with a company called Spam Arrest.

"Spam Arrest eliminates obnoxious e-mails by blocking them before they reach your mailbox," said Derek Newman, an attorney who is handling the case before a federal panel that resolves trademark disputes. "Hormel and the rest of the world should be happy that Spam Arrest is around to eliminate the obnoxious e-mails."

I think that it is important that this issue be resolved if there is any major confusion between the food Spam and the junk e-mail Spam. But I can't think of one person I know who doesn't know the difference. I actually wonder how we started calling junk e-mails spam mail? I honestly can say that I do not believe using Spam to refer to junk e-mail is deterring away from Spams loyal consumers. I do, however, think that Hormel Foods has the right to protect their legandary name.

By Adrian Reamey