Von Mumm v. Witteman

PER CURIAM.

The evidence abundantly sustains the finding of the circuit court that complainants originated, and have for many years used, a rose or brilliant copper-colored soft-metal capsule, embossed with the name “G. H. Mumm & Co.,” and other devices, as a distinguishing mark for their wine. And we also concur in the further finding that, by reason of the practice of serving such wine from an ice chest or in coolers, the bottle is liable to lose its labels before it is shown to the customer, so that in such cases the capsule is the only easily-available means of identification. We are not satisfied, however, that, by reason of the widespread use of colored capsules among producers of champagne, each separate producer could not be protected in the use of his own color without depriving some newcomer of the right himself to select and use a colored capsule. The possible combinations of color are so manifold that it is hard to conceive how such newcomer, honestly endeavoring to dress his goods in such wise as to mark them as his own, could experience any difficulty in devising a new capsule. We concur, however, in the conclusion of the circuit court that complainants are not entitled to a decree enjoining the sale merely of a rose-colored capsule, unembossed, or even with the words “Extra Dry” impressed thereon. Although the capsules sold by defendants are of soft, metal, and of the same shape and size and color as complainants’, it is manifest that they may be so used by the purchaser as not to mislead or defraud the customer. If the words “Brown’s Sparkling Cider” were printed on the capsule in bold letters of a contrasting color, no ordinarily intelligent purchaser would be deceived. And in other ways the rose-colored capsule may be so collocated with other indicia of origin as to advertise the contents of the bottles quite distinctively as the product of some one other than G. H. Mumm & Co., while the placing of the words “Extra Dry” on the capsule is not inconsistent with its honest use. When there comes before this court some cause wherein a producer or dealer in champagne has used the rose-colored soft-metal capsule of complainants in such a way as to delude the customer into the belief that the wine cf. fered for sale is complainants’ product, it will be time enough to decide whether equity will administer relief, and, if so, to what extent; but complainants have not any such exclusive right to a soft-metal capsule—qua capsule—as will entitle them to enjoin its sale as an article of merchandise separate from the bottle. The decree appealed from is affirmed, with costs.