Old Bay Knockoff? McCormick Files Suit Over 'Biscayne Bay Seafood Seasoning'

McCormick & Company has filed suit against another spice-maker, alleging it has ripped off the design for Old Bay.

In federal court documents filed on June 10, McCormick accused Miami-based Badia Spices of infringing on its trademark for Old Bay through the design and wording of its Biscayne Bay Food Seasoning, according to The Daily Record.

Old Bay contains celery seed, red pepper, black pepper, salt and paprika. It hit shelves more than 75 years ago and has since become a Maryland staple. The original name for the spice was “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning," according to McCormick, which said the name "Old Bay" came from the name of a steamship that traveled on the Chesapeake.

See Also: Old Bay Launches New Product for 75th Anniversary

Biscayne Bay Seafood Seasoning consists of celery seed, cumin, fennel seed, sweet and smoked paprika, kosher salt, thyme and black pepper, according to the Miami Herald, which reported the blend was created by a student at Florida International University who won a Badia-sponsored spice competition in January. The company was responsible for the naming and marketing of the spice, which was slated to make its commercial debut this summer.

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