Pepperdine Caruso Law Moot Court Team Places Third at Trademark Competition

Pepperdine Caruso Law second-year law students Sasha Codiga, Justin Luevano, Aleena Shad competed at the Los Angeles Regional for the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition. The team placed third overall with impressive scores on both their written brief and multiple rounds of oral advocacy.  

Approximately 80 teams competed across six regions. The competition is held by the International Trademark Association and highlights emerging issues arising in U.S. trademark law. Teams argued a trademark infringement case between Crunchy Planet’s SOL MATES shoe inserts and Earthly Vibes’ SOUL BUDDIES sandals. The problem raised features matters of bona fide use in commerce by a foreign trademark registrant, potential consumer confusion, and awarding international profits as damages.  

The team argued in front of various judges presiding over the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, including the Honorable Dolly M. Gee, the Chief Judge of the Central District, the Honorable Michelle Williams Court, and the Honorable Patricia M. Donahue. 

Pepperdine Caruso Law is proud of our students’ dedication and hard work as they successfully represent the Moot Court program.