Market research
Monster Beverage Corp has won a US$5m payout from a US automotive tool wholesaler for trademark infringement.
Monster Beverage's laywers said ISN infringed its trademark green-and-black livery
A Los Angeles court found that Integrated Supply Network had infringed Monster's packaging with a line of tools called Monster Mobile. According to Monster Beverage lawyers, the tool range was found to infringe the energy drinks firm's "well-known green-and-black trade dress".
"We are pleased that the jury recognised that Monster's strong IP rights transcend energy drinks and are enforceable against a broad spectrum of goods, including automotive-related products," said Lynda Zadra-Symes, a partner for law firm Knobbe's Irvine, which represented Monster.
Integrated Supply Network did not respond to a request for comment.
Energy drinks companies have looked to protect their trademarks from infringement in a number of cases, but usually against other beverage makers. Integrated Supply Network distributes automotive tools to the US car industry, including those from the Monster Tools company. Monster Tool products use a green and black livery and are still available to buy through ISN's website.
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Sectors: Soft drinks, Water
