Whirlpool Wins $27M in Trademark Infringement Verdict
Table of Contents
Case Background
This case arose from a dispute over electronic stand mixers. Plaintiffs Whirlpool Corporation and Whirlpool Properties, Inc. (collectively, "Whirlpool") brought the action. The Defendants were Shenzhen Sanlida Electrical Technology Co., Ltd and Shenzhen Avoga Technology Co. Ltd. The two Defendants were collectively referred to as the Shenzhen Defendants. The civil action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division. The lawsuit centered on claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Cause
Whirlpool alleged the Shenzhen Defendants violated fundamental tenets of fair competition. They claimed the Defendants traded improperly on the goodwill associated with the KITCHENAID® brand stand mixers. Whirlpool had built this goodwill through years of innovation, investment, marketing, and hard work. The core of the claim involved U.S. Trademark Registration No. 1,711,158, referred to as the '158 Mark. Whirlpool claimed the Shenzhen Defendants infringed upon and diluted this specific registered trademark. The Defendants’ use of the trademark in their service or product was alleged to be an unauthorized simulation and reproduction.
The alleged conduct created a likelihood of confusion among consumers. Whirlpool maintained that the Defendants’ acts misled the public regarding the origin, sponsorship, or approval of the Shenzhen Defendants’ goods. They also claimed the Defendants conspired with others to aid or assist in these infringing activities. Th
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