Inventor Sues Heinz Claiming Dip 'N Squeeze Ketchup Was His Idea
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When Heinz introduced its larger sized dip 'n squeeze ketchup packet in 2010, did it take the idea from David Wawrzynski of Detroit?
"We're not calling Heinz thieves at all, but Mr. Wawrzynksi's ideas found their way into the dip 'n squeeze product," Wawyzynski's attorney Eugene Boyle told KDKA money editor Jon Delano. "Whether it's by happenstance or outright theft, I don't know, but we're not accusing Heinz of stealing, we are accusing Heinz of using without paying for it."
Before a federal court jury on Monday, Boyle said his client wrote to Heinz CEO Thomas Johnson in March 2008 with an idea and sketches for a dual use ketchup packet he called the little dipper.
"You'd think that a cold call, a letter from an unknown to a CEO the company the size of Heinz would never even make it to his office," said Boyle. "Well, not only did this letter make it to Mr. Johnson's office, it was passed down the senior ranks of marketing, and Mr. Wawrzynski got himself an audience with Heinz."
The inventor met with Heinz officials in April of 2008 who asked for 100 prototype samples before telling him in late 2009 that Heinz was no longer interested.
A few months later, Heinz unveiled its own dip 'n squeeze.
The Heinz lawyers argued to the jury that Heinz came up with these dip 'n squeeze ketchup packets way back in 2002.
So why the delay until 2010 in taking the product to market?
Heinz says it was too expensive to manufacture, so it patented its idea in 2004.
"Heinz was certainly exploring with ideas and different prototypes before meeting with Mr. Wawrzynski," Boyle acknowledged, "but they didn't have the complete package."
The jury is expected to decide soon if Heinz is liable to Wawrzynski. If he wins, a trial on the dollar amount owed will be held in June.
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