Saferack, LLC v. Bullard Co.

350 F. Supp. 3d 438
CourtDistrict Court, D. South Carolina
DecidedNovember 27, 2018
DocketCivil Action No. 2:17-cv-1613-RMG
StatusPublished

This text of 350 F. Supp. 3d 438 (Saferack, LLC v. Bullard Co.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, D. South Carolina primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Saferack, LLC v. Bullard Co., 350 F. Supp. 3d 438 (D.S.C. 2018).

Opinion

(Id. ) The registration further stated that "[t]he color(s) orange is/are claimed as a feature of the mark. The mark consists of the color orange as applied to railings, gates and cages of fall protection equipment. The product configuration depicted in dotted lines is not claimed as a feature of the mark and serves only to show placement of the mark on the goods." (Id. ) In addition to the registered mark, SafeRack submitted photos of equipment it had manufactured that included the color orange on the railings, gates and cages, a copy of which is included below as an example:

*445(Dkt. No. 50-21.)

In June 2017, Bullard attended the Independent Liquid Terminals Association ("ILTA") trade show and showcased a work platform and gangway with orange railings and other features. (Dkt. Nos. 49-1 at 8; 50-10 at 36.)

(Dkt. Nos. 49-1 at 8; 50-13; 50-16.) On June 12, 2017, SafeRack sent a cease and desist letter to Bullard after Bullard's platform was shown at ILTA. Bullard asserts that while it showcased the units, it never sold any with that configuration. (Dkt. No. 49-1 at 8, 15.) SafeRack presented no evidence that Bullard ever sold a work platform or gangway as showcased at the ILTA.

Instead, both parties agree that since 2015 Bullard has sold at least six2 mobile access platforms ("MAP") with gray railings, cages, and fall protection with an orange vehicle base.

*446(Dkt. Nos. 49-1 at 8; 50-1 at 31; 50-22.)

On September 17, 2018, SafeRack and Bullard both filed motions for summary judgment. (Dkt. Nos. 49, 50.) Both responded in opposition to the other parties' motion. (Dkt. Nos. 54, 57.)3

II. Legal Standard

To prevail on a motion for summary judgment, the movant must demonstrate that there is no genuine issue of any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). The party seeking summary judgment has the burden of identifying the portions of the "pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, any admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, which show there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett , 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). The Court will construe all inferences and ambiguities against the movant and in favor of the non-moving party. U.S. v. Diebold, Inc. , 369 U.S. 654, 655, 82 S.Ct. 993, 8 L.Ed.2d 176 (1962). The existence of a mere scintilla of evidence in support of the non-moving party's position is insufficient to withstand a motion for summary judgment. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc. , 477 U.S. 242, 252, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). However, an issue of material fact is genuine if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict in favor of the non-movant. Id. at 257, 106 S.Ct. 2505.

"When the moving party has carried its burden under Rule 56(c), its opponent must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts." Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp. , 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). "In the language of the Rule, the nonmoving party must come forward with 'specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.' " Id. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348.

*447"Where the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the non-moving party, there is no 'genuine issue for trial.' " Id. (quoting First Nat'l Bank of Ariz. v. Cities Serv. Co. , 391 U.S. 253, 289, 88 S.Ct. 1575, 20 L.Ed.2d 569 (1968) ).

III. Discussion

SafeRack argues that Bullard's use of orange on "gangways, railings, and gates" at the ILTA in 2017 and Bullard's sale of MAPs infringed on its trademark and trade dress and constituted unfair competition in violation of the Lanham Act and the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act ("SCUTPA"). SafeRack also brought a claim for unjust enrichment. Bullard argues that the use of orange on its equipment was not likely to cause confusion, and presents six affirmative defenses.

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350 F. Supp. 3d 438, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/saferack-llc-v-bullard-co-scd-2018.