Johnson & Johnson sues Red Cross for its red cross

Johnson & Johnson, the health-products giant that uses a red cross as its trademark, sued the American Red Cross on Wednesday, demanding that the charity halt the use of the red cross symbol on products it sells to the public.

Johnson & Johnson said it has had exclusive rights to use the trademark on certain commercial products - including bandages and first-aid cream - for more than 100 years.

It contends that the Red Cross is supposed to use the symbol only in connection with nonprofit relief services.