Estwing Sues Forgecraft Over Look of Tool Line

Estwing Manufacturing Co. filed suit to stop Pomona-based Forgecraft from selling tools similar to its “Blue Grip” line. In the suit filed in federal court in Chicago, Forgecraft is accused of making tools that are “substantially identical in appearance” to Estwing’s. Forgecraft also does business as Cal-Rainbow Products Inc., the suit said. “Forgecraft has affixed Estwing’s ‘Blue Grip’ trademark to its hammers . . . in a manner that duplicates the appearance of Estwing’s hand tools,” the suit by Rockford, Ill.-based Estwing claims. Closely held Estwing designs and manufactures tools, including hammers, axes, and pry bars. Also in the complaint, Estwing is suing Valuehunt Inc. for selling and displaying the tools on its Web site. A spokesman for Cal-Rainbow said he had not seen the suit and declined to comment.