Wawa Accuses N.J. C-store of Trademark Infringement

PATERSON, N.J. — Wawa Inc. has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Dawa Food Mart for its similar name, reported the Philly Voice. The store, located at 15 Lafayette St. in Paterson, has operated for a little more than two years.

The owner of Dawa Food Mart told the Courier-Post that the word "Dawa" means "welcome" in Korean, his native language.

The trademark lawsuit is part of an "obligation to protect consumers from any likelihood of confusion," stated Wawa spokeswoman Lori Bruce.

Dawa Food Mart offers a full menu that includes breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza and pasta.

Wawa filed the lawsuit in federal court in Camden.

Pennsylvania-based Wawa operates more than 730 convenience stores, with more than 500 offering gas, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.