Walker Manufacturing, Inc. v. Hoffmann, Inc.

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT HOFFMANN’S SECOND MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT

BENNETT, Chief Judge.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION.1057

A. Procedural Background.1057

B. Factual Background.1059

II. LEGAL ANALYSIS. 1061

A. Standards For Summarg Judgment 1061

B. De Minimis Conduct.1062

1. Arguments of the parties.1062

2. The de minimis doctrine in copyright and Lanham Act law.1063

3. Was Hoffmann’s conduct de minimis?.1065

C. “Reverse Palming Off”.1068

1. Arguments of the parties.1068

2. Source and nature of the Lanham Act’s prohibition .1068

3. “Copying” as “reverse palming…