Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) sued rivals Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Chattem Inc. (CHTT) in separate lawsuits Friday, claiming their mouthwashes infringe on its Colgate Total trademark for oral-care products.

The lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, are over Chattem's Act Total Care mouthwash and Johnson & Johnson's launch Total Care mouthwash.

"Colgate-Palmolive sells toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss under the Total brands in the United States. These products represent three of the four core oral care products," the lawsuits said. "Clearly, mouthwash - the fourth core oral care product - is a logical next step and is in the natural zone of expansion for the Total brands in the United States."

The lawsuits include claims of trademark infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices.

Both Johnson & Johnson and Chattem have pending trademark registrations for their Total Care products.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman declined comment Friday, while a Chattem representative didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

-By Chad Bray, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-227-2017; chad.bray@dowjones.com