Wolf Wins Injunction Against Viking On Knobs
Submitted by advisor on Mon, 02/15/2010 - 11:18pm.
A preliminary injunction was slapped on Viking for their use of red knobs.
As reported in the Journal Sentinel, US District Judge Barbara Crabb (Crabby to her friends), said:
"Although defendant contends that its red knobs are obviously a different shape and color from plaintiff's red knobs, I am not persuaded," Crabb wrote in her order. "The knobs have a similar shape, size and color. Only a close examination of the knobs shows their minor differences."
The Wisconsin State Journal, printed in Sub-Zero's hometown, indicated that Wolf has made red knobs since 1933.
Let us suggest a new definition for travesty, and let that definition be this case, Judge Crabcakes, and these bloody knobs.
knobs
Bruce This small battle much the same as the old JennAir and ModernMaid fight over a downdraft issue- in the 70s
knobs
Wolf was always noted for the red knobs they used since before Viking's time-
Wolf
Brucec - Wolf was buiding a pirate model for Home Use , Debbie was the sales Mgr at Wolf for Stan, and they introduced the Home Version at Disney Convention Center in 88. Both brands in Wolf were using red knobs, at that time a new knob was costed out around $10,000 f9r the first new knob
True on the red knobs....
True, Wolf has always been noted for their red knobs. And that Wolf still exists. It just so happens that the Wolf you are talking about doesn't have anything to do with SubZero.
What ???
Could you please elaborate, in detail, on your contention ???
Sub with $$ can win this
Bruce
If I may.....
I believe what Steady is referrring to is that Wolf Range sold its residential business, tooling, designs, and license of its brand, to Sub-Zero.
Wolf Range, the manufacturer of commercial ranges, the original company still exists as an independent company in Los Angeles.
I think that Steady is wrong, legally, though. The chain from Sub-Zero to Wolf's creation however many decades ago, is unbroken.
I think the more interesting comment/question is when Wolf introduced its first residential range (vs commercial) with the red knobs, though it wouldn't change my feeling about the case.
Another View of the Knobs at SZ
My only question is: If the senior managment of SZ is willing to invest this much time and effort into protecting its knobs (the ones on the stove), how much thought do they put into making the product better? An equal amount? I doubt it. Thank goodness my SZ doesn't have any type of accelerator on it.
Quick Order the RED KNOBS
These Red Knobs are now Collectors Items, I have 2 sets of Uncirculated Red Knobs.
Red Knobs
Let me know when you put them up on eBay. I must have them to match the handle on my Haier reefer.
Red Knobs
Let me know when you put them up on eBay. I must have them to match the handle on my Haier reefer and my Costco wine cooler -- oh wait, that's from SZ, right?
Trade Dress
In rare circumstances, a company may claim that a product or its packaging (legally referred to a “trade dress”) has a visual appearance so distinctive that the purchasing public associates the look of the product with a specific brand or manufacturer. If the Patent and Trademark office deems a product’s appearance to be distinctive and famous, the product is eligible for trademark protection. One of the most famous examples of a trade dress mark is the shape of the KitchenAid mixer. While other companies may produce similar mixers, the trademarked shape of the KitchenAid product may not be duplicated. A red colored knob does not even come close to being unique enough to be considered distinctive trade dress.
A judge should know this distinction and this ridiculous case should be tossed.
I hear ya
Thor, I hear the trade dress point which is excellent. This red knob thing is amusing to all of us...In fact, if you look at the Wolf product with the optional balck knob, that item looks too close in color, size and shape to the Viking. Funny how that judge didn't see that side regarding trade dress since Viking had that style knob first. As AA said; it is temperary. This case will hold about as much water as a basket made in a Turkish prison...
Wondering
what the good judge has in her kitchen.
Better Still ...
... I wonder if she had a bad experience with Viking ???
How About
How about... new
Sub-Zero/Judge Crabcakes for the "epic" undertaking against Viking. Anyone tell these guys it's a freekin knob?
(Note: This comment was placed in error (we believe) at Hall of Fame story, and moved here by editor.)
I wonder ...
... if this will have any affect on the LG plans to take-over - opps, sorry - I mean, to "strategically align" themselves with Viking ???
Bumped !!!
So, I guess Judge "Crabcakes" now trumps Lance Ito for incredible lapses of logic, proportion, and vision !!!
Ya can't make this stuff up !!!
Well, Well, Well ...
... it's gonna be a "hot" time tonight on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison !!!
Considering that it has consistently been named one of the Top 10 Party Schools by the Princeton Review, they can enlist the kids for pointers !!!
Maybe my idea of "Sky-Blue-Pink" knobs wasn't as off-the-wall idea after-all !!!