Opinion ID: 456012
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Infringement of Transgo's SK Mark

Text: 74 There is also substantial evidence to support the jury's finding that Transgo's SK mark and product numbering system are source indicators and that the defendants infringed them. 75 Almost any symbol can serve as a trademark. American Scientific, 690 F.2d at 792. In Ideal Industries, Inc. v. Gardner Bender, Inc., 612 F.2d 1018 (7th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 447 U.S. 924, 100 S.Ct. 3016, 65 L.Ed.2d 1116 (1980), the Seventh Circuit found that the numerical designation 71B given to the company's screw-on electrical connectors was protectable. Similarly, the Eighth Circuit in Stewart Paint Mfg. Co. v. United Hardware Distributing Co., 253 F.2d 568, 569-70 (8th Cir.1958), held that the defendant's use of code numbers designating color shades of paint which had been arbitrarily developed by the plaintiff constituted infringement. Also, the Second Circuit held that the designation V-8, used to identify a juice cocktail drink, was protectable against use by a vitamin manufacturer. Standard Brands, Inc. v. Smidler, 151 F.2d 34, 37 (2nd Cir.1945). 76 Fairbanks admitted copying each of Transgo's part numbers. The SK numbers were used by rebuilders in ordering transmission valve body components from Ajac. A number of rebuilders stated that they always associated the SK numbers with Transgo and Gil Younger. 77 Prior to the use by Fairbanks, only Transgo used SK in its numbering system. During cross-examination, Fairbanks' president agreed that Transgo's numbers were arbitrary and random. He was asked: If Transgo had called the first designation here PG-XYZ and had been using that for ten years, or six years, would you have copied PG-XYZ? Lupo responded: Most likely.