P&G sues Kraft over coffee -- again

CINCINNATI, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Procter & Gamble Co. went to court Tuesday in an attempt to get Kraft Foods Inc. to stop using a method of packaging coffee P&G says it invented.

The Cincinnati company's lawsuit in U.S. District Court accuses Kraft of using its patented technology in the four-pound plastic container it's using to package Maxwell House coffee, The Wall Street Journal reported. P&G claims Kraft is infringing on its innovative Folgers Coffee containers introduced in 2003.

P&G, which wants Kraft to stop making the containers, didn't specify how much it is seeking in damages.

"We made large investments to overcome the technical challenges in making a lightweight plastic container that can withstand the pressure changes that occur between the factory and the consumer's home," said P&G attorney Steve Jemison.

Kraft spokeswoman Susan Davison said told the Journal in an e-mail that the Northfield, Ill., company would "vigorously" defend itself. "Kraft does not infringe the valid patent rights of others," she said.

It's the second time P&G has gone after the Northfield, Ill., food company over coffee packaging, the last time coming a year ago in San Francisco. Kraft responded by suing P&G in Wisconsin over a different patent.