Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. v. MiTek Inc.

I. BACKGROUND

26 Simpson manufactures and sells structural connectors for use in building construction. 27 Simpson assigns alphanumeric product names for each of its products. Dkt. No. 78-9 at 32. Each product name has a “part name” consisting of a letter or combination of letters designating the product line, and a “model number” consisting of additional numbers and letters appended to the part name to distinguish between various models of a particular part with different attributes. Dkt. 71-48 at 37. Simpson uses its product names on its website and product packaging, as well as in catalogs, publications, and other advertising materials, including its Wood Construction Connectors Catalog. MiTek also manufactures and sells construction products, including structural connectors that compete with Simpson’s. Dkt. No. 78-9 at 32. According to Simpson, MiTek uses product names that are identical or similar to Simpson product names and also uses Simpson’s product names as “reference numbers” for MiTek’s own products. See Dkt. No. 71-9. Simpson challenges these uses of its product names on MiTek’s website and in its mobile…