Foxen and Fess Parker Wineries Resolve Labeling Feud

Jeff Morgan
Posted: July 23, 1999

After more than two months of arguments and litigation, California's Foxen and Fess Parker wineries have resolved their acrimonious dispute over the use of the Foxen name on wine labels.

"I'm happy this is resolved," said Foxen co-owner Richard Dori. "Now we can get back to what we do best: the business of winemaking."

The battle between the two Santa Barbara County wineries began when Fess Parker used the words "Foxen Cuvee" and "Fleur de Foxen" on two of its labels. Foxen considered the titles to be infringements on its trademarked name and feared that consumers would assume the wines came from its own winery or vineyards.

On July 21, the two parties met with a mediator in Los Angeles federal court, where they resolved their differences. A confidentiality agreement prohibits them from revealing details of the terms. However, it became apparent several weeks ago that Fess Parker was in retreat when winemaker Eli Parker said he was soaking the Foxen Cuvee labels off all remaining bottles stocked at the winery.

On Aug. 7, Foxen is holding a fund-raising event, called "Foxen is Foxen," in order to raise money to pay off the $90,000 it spent on its trademark-infringement lawsuit. For more information, call (805) 937-4251.

For past reports on the dispute:

July 8, 1999
Foxen and Fess Parker Winery Dispute Gets Uglier

May 10, 1999
Name Dispute Causes Rift Between Santa Barbara County Wineries