Herman Miller Upholds Win in Ongoing Fight to Protect Iconic Designs from Trademark Infringement

Rhea-AI Summary

Herman Miller (NASDAQ: MLHR) recently celebrated a court victory in its trademark infringement case against Blumenthal Distributing Inc. dba Office Star Products. The Ninth Circuit Court upheld a previous jury's decision that ruled Office Star had infringed upon the trade dress of Herman Miller's iconic Eames Aluminum Group chairs. The court awarded $3.3M in damages from a 2017 trial while ordering a retrial for another product, the Aeron Chair, due to jury instruction errors. The ruling emphasizes Herman Miller's commitment to protecting its designs and the economic impact of counterfeit products on its business.

Positive

• Court upheld $3.3M in damages awarded to Herman Miller for trademark infringement.
• Successful defense of iconic designs reinforces brand value and market position.
• Ongoing legal victories could deter future infringement, protecting revenue.

Negative

• Retrial ordered for the Aeron Chair trade dress claim due to incorrect jury instructions.

ZEELAND, Mich., Aug. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Herman Miller (NASDAQ: MLHR) was awarded a substantial victory over Blumenthal Distributing Inc. dba Office Star Products in a fight against trademark infringement of some of the company's most iconic products—the Thin and Soft Pad Eames Chairs. The June 25, 2020 decision, made by the Ninth Circuit Court, upheld an earlier jury decision that concluded that the Eames Aluminum Group trade dress was infringed by Office Star. 

The decision marks an important point in Herman Miller's ongoing quest to protect its iconic furniture designs from infringement and being produced as knockoffs, a problem they have been fighting for decades. "The economic devastation to corporate revenue, shareholder return, and job losses caused by infringers and knockoffs is unacceptable and must be stopped. Our fight against infringers is about more than protecting the intellectual property, legacy, customers, and future of Herman Miller, it's about protecting companies, designers, and consumers around the world from knockoff products," stated Herman Miller President and Chief Executive Officer, Andi Owen. "These practices steal the rightful credit that is due to the original designer, many of whom have dedicated their lives to perfecting these products only to see frauds popping up in the marketplace."

In total, the Court upheld $3.3M in damages that Herman Miller was awarded during the original 2017 trial. In addition, the Court mandated a retrial of the company's Aeron Chair trade dress claim based on incorrect jury instructions in the earlier trial. "We are encouraged that the courts continue to rule in our favor, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our customers against knockoff Herman Miller products while ensuring the integrity and value of the iconic designs that are such an important part of our company's unique legacy," said Owen.

Herman Miller has successfully defended trade dress on several of its iconic designs and continues to be an outspoken advocate for authentic design everywhere. The company is a charter member of Be Original Americas, a 501(c)6 non-profit committed to informing, educating, and influencing manufacturers, design professionals, and consumers about the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design. 

About Herman Miller  

Herman Miller is a globally recognized provider of furnishings and related technologies and services.  Since its inception in 1905, the company has relied on innovative design to help people do great things. The global design leader has evolved into Herman Miller Group, a family of brands that collectively offers a variety of products for environments where people live, learn, work, and heal. The family of brands includes Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Design Within Reach, Geiger, HAY, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, naughtone, Nemschoff, and Herman Miller. For more information visit www.hermanmiller.com/about-us  

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SOURCE Herman Miller, Inc.

FAQ

What was the recent court decision involving Herman Miller (MLHR)?

Herman Miller won a trademark infringement case against Blumenthal Distributing Inc., with the court upholding a $3.3M damages award.

What are the implications of the Ninth Circuit Court's ruling for Herman Miller?

The ruling reinforces Herman Miller's efforts to protect its iconic designs and could deter future infringements, positively impacting revenue.

Why was there a retrial ordered for the Aeron Chair trade dress claim?

A retrial was mandated due to incorrect jury instructions in the initial trial related to the Aeron Chair.