A motion for summary judgment can be a cost-effective mechanism to efficiently resolve issues in a case by asking a judge to adjudicate certain claims or defenses before going to trial. Success on a motion for summary judgment can also reduce costs and improve outcomes by pushing the other side to settle on favorable terms and avoid the uncertainty and expense of trial.
Moroccanoil, Inc. and Marc Anthony Cosmetics, Inc., ended a legal fight over their trademarks and packaging after attorneys from Conkle, Kremer & Engel prevailed on behalf of Moroccanoil in a battle of competing summary judgment motions.
Marc Anthony’s attorneys filed several motions asking for summary judgment against Moroccanoil’s trademark and trade dress infringement claims while Conkle, Kremer & Engel brought motions for summary judgment on behalf of Moroccanoil to eliminate Marc Anthony’s defenses. While the court denied all of Marc Anthony’s motions, Conkle, Kremer & Engel’s motions successfully defeated almost all of Marc Anthony’s defenses before trial.
Marc Anthony Product Line
Marc Anthony argued that there was no likelihood of consumer confusion between the trademarks and product packaging, and attempted to strike at the heart of Moroccanoil’s brand by attacking the validity of the trademark in the Moroccanoil name and signature blue and copper orange colors. Marc Anthony claimed that Moroccanoil had improperly obtained registration for a name that was a “generic” name for argan oil, and that Moroccanoil had no ownership rights in common colors used for its packaging.
Moroccanoil Product Line
In a ruling recently published in the Federal case law reporter, Judge Dolly Gee of the Central District of California denied all of Marc Anthony’s motions, and issued significant rulings rejecting Marc Anthony’s attacks. Judge Gee specifically upheld Moroccanoil’s registration of its name and found that Moroccanoil’s trade dress is distinctive and protectable. Judge Gee also found that the majority of factors concerning the likelihood of confusion between the brands pointed toward trademark infringement. The case settled after Judge Gee’s opinion, without trial.
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