Judge: Melville copied L.A. Gear's Hot Shots. (footwear manufacturer) (obituary)

Judge: Melville copied L.A. Gear's Hot Shots

NEW YORK (FNS) -- A federal judge ruled last week that three athletic shoes by Melville Corp., Harrison, N.Y., infringe the trade dress of L.A. Gear Inc.'s Hot Shots shoe.

Judge Robert J. Ward ordered that Melville relinquish profits to L.A. Gear from its Balloons, Aerobix and MacGregor athletic shoes and stop selling them at its Thom McAn and Meldisco subsidiaries.

The ruling capped a two-week trial in federal district court and was a broad interpretation of trademark laws. Robert Horowitz, a lawyer for L.A. Gear, said that while courts in the past have upheld shoe patents, Ward's decision was, as far …