Matrix Motor Co. v. Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND FOR ENTRY OF JUDGMENT

I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 29, 2002, Matrix Motor Co., Inc. (“MMC”) filed this action against defendants Toyota Jidoshi [sic] Kabushiki Kaisha i/a Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (“Toyota”), alleging (1) false designation of origin under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act; (2) unfair competition at common law and in violation of Section 17200 of the California Business and Professions Code; (3) infringement of common law trademark; and (4) infringement of State of California trademark. MMC accuses Toyota of infringing its alleged rights in the name MATRIX through Toyota’s use of the term TOYOTA MATRIX on passenger cars.

On April 15, 2003, Toyota moved for summary judgment pursuant to Fed. R.Civ.P. 56 on all of MMC’s claims. For the reasons discussed below, Toyota’s motion is granted.

II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

A. MMC’s Business and Use of MATRIX

MMC is a California corporation that manufactures highly specialized racing cars and parts. MMC’s racing cars are custom-made, and sell for about $375,000 to $450,000. (Deposition of Louis…