Shrader’s Goods, a business specializing in Chicago firefighter-themed clothing and merchandise in Mount Greenwood, is at risk of losing significant business or closing after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the city alleging trademark infringement. The city’s Department of Law sent the letter on April 7, claiming that Shrader’s was selling items violating city copyrights and demanded an end to the infringing activity.
The letter cited merchandise both in-store and online that allegedly bears City Logos or similar marks on clothing, patches, hats, flags, decals, and other products. It also referenced marketing language positioning Shrader’s as a source for “authentic uniform and casual wear of the Chicago Fire Department” and included website screenshots showing items described as “CFD Regulation Uniforms.”
Initially given until May 20 to comply with these demands—including ceasing sales of merchandise with city logos, adding disclaimers clarifying no official affiliation with the fire or police departments, and removing claims about official status—Shrader’s received an extension until Sunday. Joe Shrader, who has co-owned the store since 2011 with his wife Dina, said they have removed references to CFD Regulation Uniforms from their website and added a disclaimer stating no affiliation with city agencies.
“We are not a uniform store. That is not what we are trying to be. We sell casual apparel that honors and respects the city of Chicago and firefighters,” Joe Shrader said. He estimated around 70 percent of his inventory is affected by the order: “I can’t guess at what the impact would be, but it certainly would be a possibility of closing, reduced staff or anything that a business would be suffering if you lost 70 percent of your business.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Law said last week that officials are open to working with Shrader’s Goods toward resolution while reviewing proposals from the business. Meanwhile, more than 2,000 people have signed a petition supporting Shrader’s Goods; it describes the shop as integral to neighborhood identity and calls for collaboration between parties.
Ted Johnson—director of The Herbie Johnson Foundation—said Shrader’s has supported their organization since its founding: “We have been working together since then… I know he has given back to a lot of other organizations throughout the Fire Department.” Joe Shrader said community support has been encouraging as customers continue visiting his store.
