SAN FRANCISCO (December 7, 2017): On December 7, 2017, Farella Braun + Martel LLP client Fetzer Vineyards, Inc.’s motion for attorneys’ fees was granted by California Federal Judge William H. Orrick. The motion followed Fetzer Vineyards trial victory in a case brought against Fetzer Vineyards by Sazerac Company, Inc. Fetzer Vineyards is a Hopland-based winery known for pioneering sustainable winemaking.

The case arose from Sazerac’s allegations that the label of Fetzer Vineyards’ 1000 Stories zinfandel, which features an image of a buffalo and uses the phrase “bourbon barrel aged,” somehow infringed certain trademarks related to or the trade dress associated with Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace bourbon brand. In September 2017, following a week-long trial, Judge Orrick ruled in favor of Fetzer Vineyards on all claims asserted by Sazerac. 

In his Order awarding Fetzer Vineyards attorneys’ fees, Judge Orrick found that the attorneys’ fees incurred by Fetzer Vineyards were reasonable, and expressly “commended Fetzer [Vineyards’] counsel for their efficiency and skill in preparing the case for trial and in trying the case.” Farella’s Robert C. Holtzapple served as Fetzer Vineyards’ lead counsel, trying the case with Steven R. Disharoon of Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP.

Link to Order.

Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and complex commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Farella lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions to today’s business challenges, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry.

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Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
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