Lutron Fails To Silence J Geiger Shading

CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lutron Electronics may have to defend the look of its latest shading system in court. The company's motion to dismiss a trade dress infringement lawsuit, initiated by J Geiger Shading, has been denied.

Charleston-based shade designer J Geiger filed a trade dress infringement complaint against Lutron, a global provider of home lighting and shade controls, in June of 2018 after the debut of Lutron's Palladiom Shading System at CEDIA 2017.

J Geiger's complaint asserts that Palladiom Shades bear a striking resemblance to J Geiger's proprietary systems, which have been actively marketed as a "signature look" since 2012. Both systems feature circular brackets, linked shades and a minimalist, wire-free, screw-free profile.

J Geiger maintains its trade dress infringement claim despite Lutron's motion to dismiss. In that motion, Lutron acknowledged that the "clean and modern look of [J Geiger's] products is desirable to consumers" and argued that a ruling in J Geiger's favor would reduce consumer choice by giving J Geiger a monopoly on this minimalist design. Chief Judge of the Southern District of New York, the Honorable Colleen McMahon, disagreed.

"Plaintiff does not seek protection over all minimalist shade designs—it seeks protection over its specific trade dress, which it [J Geiger] describes in detail in the Complaint. Defendant and other competitors would be free to design minimalist shading systems as long as those designs did not look too similar to Plaintiff's trade dress, so that customers would be confused about their origin." — Judge McMahon

Judge McMahon further described J Geiger's complaint as "one of the best-pleaded examples of a trade dress infringement claim that [she has] ever reviewed." The legal process is ongoing, and J Geiger looks forward to proving its claims at trial.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: J Geiger Shading is a full-service designer, manufacturer, and installer of industry-leading motorized window shades. The company is best known as the originator of fascia-free shading systems—roller shades that conceal wires and screws, eliminating the need for valances, window boxes, and ceiling pockets. These systems can be hard-wired for smart home compatibility or battery powered.

J Geiger shades are handcrafted in Charleston, SC and can be purchased through sales offices and authorized dealers nationwide. For more information, visit jgeigershading.com, email [email protected], or call 843-577-3855.

SOURCE J Geiger Shading

Related Links

https://www.jgeigershading.com/