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Oklahoma Casket Maker Sues Walmart Over Trademark

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ma-casket-maker-sues-walmart-over-trademark.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 21:28 GMT by KFOR
      Locales: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

OKLAHOMA CITY, February 6th, 2026 - A small, family-run casket manufacturer in rural Oklahoma has launched a legal challenge against retail giant Walmart, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. Trinity Hearing, based in Durant, Oklahoma, filed a lawsuit in Oklahoma City federal court on Monday, claiming Walmart's "Better Homes & Gardens" line of caskets is intentionally trading on the goodwill and reputation built by the smaller company.

The core of the dispute revolves around the use of the name "Trinity" and perceived similarities in casket design. Trinity Hearing, a business established over three decades ago, has built a regional reputation for quality craftsmanship and personalized service in the funeral industry. Owner Michael Schoonover argues Walmart's adoption of the "Trinity" name for its casket line - sold nationally through its extensive retail network and online platform - is a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers and siphon off business.

"We've spent years building a brand associated with respect, dignity, and quality in a deeply personal and sensitive industry," Schoonover explained in a press conference today. "To see a corporation like Walmart use our name, essentially piggybacking on our reputation to sell their products, is deeply disheartening. It's not just about the money; it's about protecting our legacy and ensuring consumers understand where they're getting their products."

The lawsuit details allegations that Walmart's casket designs bear a striking resemblance to those offered by Trinity Hearing, further contributing to the potential for consumer confusion. While the specific design elements in question remain under court seal pending legal review, sources close to the case suggest similarities extend beyond just the name to include aesthetic choices like wood finish, handle styles, and interior lining features. This, combined with the prominent display of the "Trinity" name, allegedly creates a strong impression that Walmart's caskets are affiliated with, or even produced by, Trinity Hearing.

This case isn't just about a single trademark. It speaks to a broader issue: the increasing difficulty faced by small businesses when competing against behemoths like Walmart. The retail giant's sheer scale allows it to outspend smaller competitors on marketing and advertising, often overshadowing their efforts. Legal battles are notoriously expensive, posing a significant financial burden on smaller companies who may struggle to afford adequate representation.

Legal experts suggest Trinity Hearing faces an uphill battle. Successfully proving trademark infringement requires demonstrating not only that Walmart used a similar mark but also that this use created a "likelihood of confusion" among consumers. This can be challenging, especially given Walmart's wide reach and diverse product offerings. However, the fact that both companies operate in the same industry, selling similar products, strengthens Trinity Hearing's case.

The lawsuit seeks both monetary damages - to compensate Trinity Hearing for lost profits and harm to its reputation - and a permanent injunction to prevent Walmart from continuing to use the "Trinity" name or designs that are allegedly infringing. A preliminary injunction request could be filed in the coming weeks, potentially forcing Walmart to temporarily halt sales of the contested casket line.

A Walmart spokesperson released a brief statement acknowledging the lawsuit, stating the company is reviewing the complaint and will respond through legal channels. They declined to offer further comment, adhering to their standard policy of not commenting on pending litigation.

The implications of this case extend beyond Oklahoma. Similar disputes are becoming increasingly common as large corporations expand into niche markets previously dominated by small businesses. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how courts approach trademark infringement claims involving substantial power imbalances between plaintiffs and defendants. Will the courts prioritize protecting the rights of small businesses, or will the financial muscle of a multinational corporation prevail?

Many are watching closely to see if David can indeed triumph over Goliath in this battle for brand identity and fair competition.