Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
Appeals Court Reverses $21M Judgment Against Costco in Tiffany Case
The closely followed trademark case over use of the “Tiffany” name is going back to the district court for a trial by jury.
Tiffany & Co. sued Costco in early 2013 for selling rings in its stores with signs that read “Tiffany” that were not made by Tiffany & Co.
Costco argued in a countersuit that “Tiffany” had become a generic term that could be used by any company to describe a particular style of ring setting (multiple slender prongs holding a single stone).
In 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Tiffany’s motion of summary judgment of liability, and in 2017, a civil jury awarded the jeweler damages totaling about $21 million.
Costco appealed the judgment and won, with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversing the decision.
In a filing Monday, the appeals court the said question of liability for infringement and counterfeiting should have been presented to a jury during the first trial, rather than be decided by the district court judge.
In a 3-0 decision, the appeals court judges said “reasonable” jurors could find Costco’s use of the word “Tiffany” wasn’t likely to confuse customers or make them think the latter had produced or endorsed the rings.
They could understand “Tiffany” wasn’t only a brand name but also “a widely recognized descriptive term for a particular style of pronged ring setting.”
The case has been remanded to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain in Manhattan for a jury trial.
“We are disappointed in the court’s ruling … We continue to believe that the district court was correct in its findings, and that the jury’s finding on damages, which resulted in a $21 million award for Tiffany & Co., is a clear indicator of the strength of the Tiffany brand, and of the jury’s outrage over Costco’s actions,” said Leigh Harlan, Tiffany senior vice president, secretary and general counsel.
“We have no qualms about trying this case again and remain confident that a jury will find counterfeiting and infringement upon retrial, just as the district court judge originally ruled.”
The attorneys at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, which represented Costco in the appeal, declined to comment on the ruling.
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.