Fossil, Macy’s Off Hook For Fees in Bag Fastener Patent Case

A federal appeals court Aug. 9 vacated an order directing Fossil Inc. and Macy’s Inc. to pay the other side’s attorneys’ fees in a patent and trademark dispute over handbag fasteners (Romag Fasteners, Inc. v. Fossil, Inc., Fed. Cir., 16-1842, 8/9/17).

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the trial court misapplied the evidence when analyzing whether Romag Fasteners Inc. should receive its attorneys’ fees. The case now goes back to the trial court to reconsider the fees award.

The case highlights that the actions of a winning party, as well as the litigation tactics ...