Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Yankee Candle Co., Inc. v. Bridgewater Candle Co., LLC

Trial court properly dissected copyright-protected elements of candle labels from unprotected elements and determined that copyrights in labels with photographic images identifying candle fragrances were not infringed by similar candle labels; plaintiff failed to establish that combination of its labels, product design, advertising campaign, and marketing techniques created secondary meaning that would constitute protected "trade dress."

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS [Hon. Michael A. Ponsor, U.S. District Judge]

Yankee Candle Company (“Yankee”), a leading manufacturer of scented candles, sued competitor Bridgewater Candle Company (“Bridgewater”) on counts of copyright infringement and trade dress infringement under federal law, as well as on state claims of common law trade dress infringement, tortious interference, and deceptive trade practices under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A. The district court granted summary judgment to Bridgewater on all claims except those of tortious interference and violation of 93A. Yankee Candle Co. v. Bridgewater Candle Co., 99 F. Supp. 2d 140 (D. Mass. 2000) [hereinafter Yankee I]. In a later memorandum, the district court determined that Yankee’s evidentiary support for its federal copyright and trade dress claims was irrelevant with respect to the state claim for tortious interference, and substantially limited Yankee’s ability to introduce such evidence. Yankee Candle Co. v. Bridgewater Candle Co., 107 F. Supp. 2d 82, 86-87 (D. Mass. 2000) (memorandum) [hereinafter Yankee II]. The court also concluded that the alleged actionable behavior was not committed “primarily and substantially” in Massachusetts, and granted Bridgewater summary judgment on Yankee’s 93A claim. Id. at 88-89. Yankee then stipulated as to the voluntary dismissal of its tortious interference claim so that it could appeal.

On appeal, Yankee challenges: (i) the grant of summary judgment on its copyright claims; (ii) the grant of summary judgment on its federal trade dress claims; (iii) the district court’s decision to narrow the scope of trial and severely limit allowable evidence; and (iv) the grant of summary judgment on the 93A claim. For the reasons explained herein, we affirm the opinions of the district court.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Consulting Best Firms to Work For 2024
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
BUSINESS LITIGATION ASSOCIATE -- WILMINGTON, DE

McCarter & English, LLP is actively seeking a midlevel associate for its business litigation practice group in its Wilmington, Delaware ...


Apply Now ›
Chief Public Defender

The County of Dallas, founded in 1846, is the second most populous county in Texas with a vibrant and diverse population of nearly three mil...


Apply Now ›
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ASSOCIATE

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements