Opinion ID: 492734
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 36 Both parties contend that there was insufficient evidence to support the other side's position to justify sending the likelihood of confusion issue to the jury. 12 We disagree. As indicated, the evidence was more than sufficient to support a verdict in Fuddruckers' favor. Doc's was not entitled to a directed verdict. 13 37 Despite the strength of Fuddruckers case on this issue, the evidence of intent to copy was not conclusive, and the jury was entitled to disbelieve the evidence of actual confusion because it was presented primarily through Fuddruckers' employees. See Sno-Wizard, 791 F.2d at 429 (approving district court's rejection of evidence of actual confusion). Moreover, the jury was in a better position than a reviewing court to determine the similarity of the two trade dresses; it viewed many photographs and visited the restaurants. See Lindy Pen I, 725 F.2d at 1245 (similarity should be considered in light of way marks are viewed in marketplace); Alpha Industries, Inc. v. Alpha Steel Tube & Shapes, Inc., 616 F.2d 440, 444 (9th Cir.1980) (same). Doc's presented evidence of a number of differences between the two establishments, and given the level of detail involved in Fuddruckers' trade dress, slight variations in color or design might be sufficient to eliminate confusion. See Falcon Rice, 725 F.2d at 346. In short, Fuddruckers' evidence, although strong, does not compel a finding of likelihood of confusion and a reasonable jury, even with proper instructions, might have reached the same conclusion the original jury reached.