Campbell’s Soup Takes Legal Action Against Congressional Candidate for Trademark Infringement
In a surprising turn of events, Campbell’s Soup has initiated legal proceedings against Shelby Campbell, a candidate in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, alleging trademark infringement and false endorsement. This follows the candidate’s usage of the iconic Campbell’s Soup logo and packaging design in her campaign materials, which she has branded under the slogan “soup4change.”
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, claims Shelby Campbell is leveraging the soup brand’s well-known imagery to boost her political recognition. The company has reported receiving inquiries from customers questioning if Campbell’s Soup is officially endorsing the candidate.
On September 2, 2025, Campbell’s Soup sent a cease-and-desist letter, which Shelby Campbell refused to comply with. Instead, she took to social media, humorously dismissing the legal threat with a post saying, “Lmfao yall gonna me blow up and win congress easily I ain’t scary byeeee.”
“I was just like, oh my gosh, I laughed and then I posted it, and I wrote ‘Big mama’ or something, making a joke because I was like, oh my gosh, really guys, I’m not that important right now,” she remarked.
The candidate, known as ‘Shelby Soup’ to her friends, explained that she created the campaign stickers using ChatGPT, finding the design “cute.” She defended her choice, saying, “They want me to stop saying soup, and that’s just so obnoxious…That’s something I won’t let them take from me.”
Shelby Campbell, who is running on a platform against corporate influence, cited the lawsuit as emblematic of elitist control. “I am sick of the elites dictating everything,” she stated.
Campbell’s Soup, highlighting the historical significance of their branding, referenced the famed Andy Warhol painting and the brand’s 150-year legacy in their legal documents. Last year, the company successfully sued Jane Foodie, a New York competitor, for similar trademark issues, achieving injunctive relief.
Shelby Campbell contends that her case is distinct, noting, “because that’s food. I’m not trying to sell food at all. I’m more of a ‘I don’t support corporations.’”
The soup company has pursued similar cases in Florida and Kansas against politicians sharing the Campbell name, demonstrating a pattern of protecting their brand.
Campbell’s Soup seeks a jury trial, demanding that Shelby Campbell cease using any semblance of the company’s trade dress and remove all related materials. The court filing declared, “Shelby Campbell’s unauthorized use copies Campbell’s famous trademark and trade dress and is a clear-cut infringement of our intellectual property rights.”
While Leah R. Imbrogno, the attorney involved in the case from Foley & Lardner LLP, was unavailable for comment, Shelby Campbell has announced her intention to represent herself in court.
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