Vancouver retailer stands his ground against U.S. grocery giant Trader Joe’s

VANCOUVER – A Vancouver retailer says he is not backing down after U.S. grocery giant Trader Joe’s sued him for alleged trademark infringement and false advertising.

Michael Hallatt, who owns a store called Pirate Joe’s, resells groceries that he buys across the border at Trader Joe’s.

Hallatt says he’s catering to Vancouverites who love Trader Joe’s products, but do not want to travel south to stores such as the one in Bellingham, Wash.

Trader Joe’s filed a lawsuit against Hallatt in May, alleging his actions harm the company’s brand, but Hallatt says he has a legal right to resell the items in their original packaging.

His lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss Trader Joe’s complaint.

There are no Trader Joe’s stores in Canada.