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Intellectual Property
Trademark Infringement
Consumer Confusion

Christian Stark, Stark Wine LLC and Stay @ Home Sommelier, LLC v. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Co.

Published: Dec. 8, 2012 | Result Date: Nov. 1, 2012 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 4:2012-cv-04385 Bench Decision –  Preliminary Injunction Granted in Part

Court

USDC Northern


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Christopher T. Norris
(Duane Morris LLP)

Ronald L. Richman
(Bullivant Houser Bailey PC)

Steven K. Barentzen


Defendant

Alexander Kaplan

Celia R. Muller

Robert H. Horn

Brendan J O'Rourke

Jennifer L. Jones
(Proskauer Rose LLP)


Facts

Stark Wine LLC, a winery based in Healdsburg, produces handcrafted wine sourced from reputable farmers in the state. Stark Wine sought an injunction against Diageo Chateau & Estates, which recently released Stark Raving wine. Stark Wine claimed that Stark Raving was confusingly similar to Stark Wine's trademarks.

Result

U.S. District Judge Yvonne G. Rogers granted the preliminary injunction in Sonoma County, but denied it elsewhere.


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