Canadian Federal Court Settles Case Between Trudeau, BODUM

The Federal Court of Canada has rejected the claim of industrial design infringement made by BODUM USA and PI Design against Trudeau in a case filed in February 2007. 

The court also invalidated both of BODUM’s industrial design registrations covering the configuration of double-walled glasses and found that Trudeau branded products were dissimilar and did not infringe on BODUM’s industrial designs. The court awarded Trudeau costs in the action. 

BODUM had also brought a claim for passing off, which it abandoned during the trial. While BODUM and PI Design had filed a Notice of Appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal, they abandoned their case on March 22. 

“It is an important victory for our company,” said Charles Harari, vice president of corporate affairs for Trudeau. “We were always convinced that our products were different and did not infringe on any existing industrial design and that BODUM’s asserted industrial designs were not sufficiently original to warrant industrial design protection. 

“We will not hesitate to defend ourselves against claims that we consider are unmerited nor pursue companies that infringe upon our intellectual property. Trudeau invests substantial funds and energy in the development of new products, values its intellectual property and respects all valid existing intellectual property rights.”

Trudeau, established in 1889, is a designer and manufacturer, and distributes its kitchenware and tabletop products worldwide, sold under the Trudeau brand. The Trudeau Corp. headquarters are based in Montreal, Canada, and its U.S. offices and distribution center in Woodridge, Ill. Product development is done both in Chicago and Montreal. Trudeau also has operations in China with offices and a distribution center, as well as sales offices in the United Kingdom, Spain and Holland. 

BODUM’s history dates back to 1944, when Peter Bodum launched the company in Copenhagen, Denmark. Known for its French press coffeemaker and Scandinavian design aesthetic, BODUM has grown into a global housewares brand, with distribution in more than 55 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company continues to develop all products in-house. The range of products extends from coffee, tea and glassware to kitchen electrics and gadgets.