L'AnzA Research International, Inc. v. Quality King Distributors, Inc., a New York Corporation

This case involves a copyright infringement claim brought by L’anza Research International, a manufacturer and distributor of hair care products, against Quality King Distributors pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 602 (a). Section 602(a) prohibits the importation of U.S. copyrighted goods acquired outside of the United States without the authorization of the copyright owner. Quality King appeals the district court’s order specifying issues existing without substantial controversy and granting summary judgment in favor of L’anza. It also appeals the district court’s order granting a permanent injunction prohibiting Quality King from importing and selling certain L’anza hair care products in the United States. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

L’anza manufactures and distributes hair care products. In order to establish and maintain its reputation for selling high quality products, L’anza requires that its U.S. distributors sell L’anza products only to authorized vendors such as beauty salons and colleges. L’anza also sells its products abroad through “master distributors,” who may sell L’anza products within defined geographical areas outside of the United States. These overseas…