‘Verite’ Vintner Can’t Block Wine Label Trademark Using Word

The Somona Valley-based makers of Verite wine can’t block registration of a trademark that includes “Verite” among 21 other words—some more prominent, the Federal Circuit affirmed Tuesday.

Grands Domaines Du Littoral’s proposed trademark most prominently featuring its Chateau La Gordonne brand wouldn’t likely cause confusion with Jackson Family Farms LLC’s “Verite” trademark, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said. It rejected Jackson Family’s argument that the house mark should have been disregarded and the word “Verite” treated as a dominant element.

The opinion said that while parts of a trademark can be deemed more or less significant, ...