Quesada v. Herb Thyme Farms, Inc.

Opinion

WERDEGAR, J.

To buyers and sellers alike, “labels matter.” (Kwikset Corp. v. Superior Court (2011) 51 Cal.4th 310, 328 [120 Cal.Rptr.3d 741, 246 P.3d 877].) They serve as markers for a host of tangible and intangible qualities consumers may come to associate with a particular source or method of production. {Id. at pp. 328-329.) Misrepresentations in labeling undermine this signifying function, preventing consumers from correctly identifying the goods and services that carry the attributes they desire while also hampering honest producers’ attempts to differentiate their merchandise…