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.
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.).