Levi Strauss & Co. v. Esprit US Distribution Ltd.

ORDER RE: SUMMARY JUDGMENT MOTIONS and MOTION TO STAY

On October 10, 2008, the Court heard oral argument on the parties’ motions for partial summary judgment. In addition, on October 22, 2008, plaintiff filed a motion to place a temporary stay on this proceeding. Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-l(b), the Court finds the latter motion appropriate for resolution without oral argument.

Having considered the papers submitted, and for good cause shown, the Court issues the orders set out below.

BACKGROUND

On February 13, 2007, Levi Strauss & Co. (“LS & Co.”) filed this suit alleging that defendant Esprit US Distribution Ltd. (“Esprit US”) infringes LS & Co.’s Arcuate Stitching Design Trademark (“the Arcuate trademark”). On February 7, 2008, LS & Co. filed its First Amended Complaint (“FAC”), naming five additional Esprit entities as defendants. (The new defendants are Esprit International, Esprit Wholesale GmbH, Esprit de Corp. France S.A., Esprit Belgie Wholesale N.V., and Esprit Belgie Retail N. V., collectively “Esprit.”) In the FAC, LS & Co. alleged that at least eighteen Esprit additional designs infringe the Arcuate trademark.

Now before the Court are the parties’ motions for…