Miller v. Collectors Universe, Inc.

Opinion

IKOLA, J.

Under Civil Code section 3344, subdivision (a) (section 3344(a)), a person who knowingly and without authorization uses another’s name on goods, or to advertise, sell, or solicit purchases of goods or services, is liable to the injured party for statutory damages of $750 or actual damages suffered “as a result of the unauthorized use,” whichever is greater, as well as profits from the unauthorized use, discretionary punitive damages, and attorney fees and costs. In this case, a jury found by special verdict that Collectors Universe, Inc. (Collectors), used the name of William…