Western District Dismisses Mother's Trade Dress Claims Against LL Bean
September 20, 2007
Michael Atkins in Seattle Updates, Trade Dress

On Sept. 18, Western District Magistrate Judge Kelley Arnold granted L.L. Bean, Inc.’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, dismissing Mother, LLC’s trade dress claims stemming from the parties’ competing hunting vests. The court granted the motion after Mother rested its case on the second day of trial.

The docket’s minute entry is dramatic in its own way: “Plaintiff rests. Jury excused. [L.L. Bean] moves for judgment as a matter of law; [Mother] argues - Granted. Court is at recess.” Sometimes, justice is swift.

Mother-Bean%20Hunting%20Vests3.jpg

Western District finds no trade dress infringement:
Mother Daypack (with belt extended) and Bean Upland Vestpack

For additional background, check out STL’s posts on the case from April 9, August 8, August 25, and September 16.

The case cite is Mother, LLC v. L.L. Bean, Inc., No. 06-5540 (W.D. Wash.).

Article originally appeared on Michael Atkins (http://seattletrademarklawyer.com/).
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