American Greetings blocks merger

The restraining order recognises that the sale could violate American Greetings' rights as the owner of Strawberry Shortcake and cause damage to the brand.

According to American Greetings, it was open to discussions with Cookie Jar and DIC, however it was only contacted by Cookie Jar after the sale had been agreed on in principle.

American Greetings made an agreement with DIC in 2001, retaining DIC as the licensing and merchandising agent and distributor for Strawberry Shortcake. The deal included a clause prohibiting a sale to a competitor without American Greetings' consent.