Miller Brewing Co. v. Falstaff Brewing Corp.

OPINION AND ORDER

PETTINE, Chief Judge.

This is an action brought by the Miller Brewing Company for unfair competition and false designation of origin, pursuant to § 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a), and for trademark dilution under Rhode Island law, R.I.G.L. § 6-2-12. Since 1972, Miller has brewed and marketed a reduced calorie beer called LITE. Miller is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent Falstaff Brewing Corporation from using the symbol “Lite” in connection with its sale of a similar beer product. Jurisdiction exists under 15 U.S.C. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a) for…