Judge rejects NYU Langone's claim that Northwell Health stole its purple color

Metro

by carl campanile

New York University doesn't reign supreme when it comes to using the color purple.

A federal judge has rejected claims that Northwell Health, a competitor of New York University Langone Medical Center, plagiarized its signature purple hue in advertising materials.

The two regional medical giants are competing for patients not only on Long Island but also in parts of the city, including Manhattan.

In an 18-page decision, U.S. Manhattan District Judge Valerie Caproni suggested that the New York University trademark case was more like Purple Haze than a concise argument for trademark infringement, calling it “vague and overbroad.'' ” he said.

“NYU Langone’s trade dress allegations are confusing and far-reaching.
“This complaint provides an extensive list of factors and includes such a wide variety of characteristics that it would be difficult for competitors to know whether their advertising constitutes trade dress.” he said at his March 1 sentencing.

He noted that some of NYU's own ads feature a variety of color schemes, including teal and orange with “splashes of purple.”

Mr. Caprioni granted Northwell Health's motion to dismiss NYU Langone's lawsuit, which also includes charges of false advertising and unfair competition.

However, the judge left the door open for New York University to file an amended complaint.

Northwell Health took a victory lap on Saturday.

Ramon Soto, Northwell Health's chief marketing and communications officer, said in a statement: “We are pleased with this ruling, but we believe NYU Langone continues to waste resources and funds on these baseless charges. “We are disappointed that the allegations are distracting from the communities that both universities serve.”

In a motion to dismiss, Northwell Health states that “NYU Langone does not own a trademark registration for any shade of purple in its medical services, and its lawsuit makes false claims, including offensive claims. “This is based on a selective selection of specific portions of Northwell's advertising.” About the new coronavirus infection awareness of healthcare workers in our hospital for a week. ”

New York University is so associated with the color purple that “Violets” is the nickname of the university's sports teams, its torch logo is purple, and the color runs throughout the university's web pages. This elite school has used purple as its school color for over 100 years.

NYU Langone officials vowed Saturday that the legal trademark battle is far from over.

NYU Langone spokesperson Steve Lithea said, “The court has acknowledged that NYU Langone may have actionable claims against Northwell's copying of NYU Langone's distinctive advertising. We are pleased with this and look forward to providing more detailed information to the court.” “A startling side-by-side comparison continues to show how Northwell is using its unparalleled reputation for exceptional quality and safety results to confuse the public, who seek the best treatment.” It's a disadvantage to the patient.”