Campbell's Soup Company has initiated legal proceedings against Shelby Nicole Campbell, a congressional candidate from Michigan, alleging infringement of its well-known brand. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, targets both Campbell and her political campaign committee.
The case revolves around the design elements used in Campbell's political campaign, which the food company asserts mimic their distinctive soup can label. Campbell's, known for its extensive range of food products, including its flagship condensed soup line, has developed a strong brand identity over its century-long history.
Shelby Nicole Campbell, a 31-year-old resident of Detroit, is seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for Michigan's 13th District, aiming to challenge the current holder of the congressional seat in the 2026 midterm elections. The district includes parts of Detroit and the Wayne County suburbs.
Legal documents detail that the food manufacturer sent a cease and desist letter to Campbell on September 2, 2025. The company demanded that the congressional hopeful halt her use of their intellectual property and destroy all campaign materials featuring the contested design. Despite this, Campbell's campaign website, operating under the domain Soup4Change, continues to promote her policy stands, including public transportation and labor laws, while displaying the controversial imagery.
Campbell's Soup Company has cited evidence of consumer confusion, with inquiries questioning whether the company has endorsed the candidate. This similarity in branding, according to the corporation, violates federal law through trademark infringement and false endorsement. Previous instances have seen election committees in other states cease the use of similar designs after legal challenges by Campbell's.
The company is seeking a jury trial, preliminary, and permanent injunctions to restrain the candidate from using any related logos, hashtags, or content that might imply an endorsement or affiliation with Campbell's. In response to the lawsuit, Shelby Campbell has refrained from speaking about the specifics, instead issuing a statement condemning the use of legal systems as tools for powerful entities to control narratives and outcomes.
Campbell's previous experience includes working on an assembly line and being a member of the United Auto Workers union. Her academic background features degrees from Rock Valley College and Wayne State University, and she has also attended Detroit Mercy School of Law.
As the case progresses, both sides are preparing their arguments, with Campbell's Soup Company determined to protect its brand, while Shelby Campbell continues her pursuit of a congressional seat.
