Kmart Accused of Pumpkin-Face Lift

A couple who transformed a family pumpkin-carving tradition into a $1-million business has sued Kmart Corp., alleging that the retail giant infringed on its patent by marketing a similar product.

Pumpkin Ltd.’s Carve-o-Lantern kits offer a set of tools and designs for creating intricate Halloween faces that have gained national attention.

In its federal court suit, the company also accused Kmart of false advertising, deceptive trade practices and unfair competition. It seeks an injunction to prevent Kmart from infringing on the patent plus unspecified monetary damages.

A spokeswoman said Kmart officials could not comment because they had not been served with the suit.

John Bardeen developed the Carve-o-Lantern method 50 years ago to enable his children to cut pumpkins safely.