Sixth Circuit Affirms MillerKnoll in Bubble Lamp Trademark Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed a lower court decision dismissing trademark infringement and related claims brought by heirs to the estate of designer George Nelson against MillerKnoll Inc. The ruling, issued July 7, 2026, found that a 2006 royalty agreement and 2015 addendum authorized MillerKnoll's use of the Bubble Lamp intellectual property. The court noted that the plaintiffs had ratified the company's ownership by accepting substantial royalty payments over years. The case originated in the Western District of Michigan, where summary judgment was granted to MillerKnoll as successor to the Herman Miller design firm. Plaintiffs alleged unauthorized use of the iconic lamp design and associated marks. The appellate decision reinforces the enforceability of licensing agreements in design-related intellectual property matters. This outcome provides clarity for companies managing legacy design portfolios through successor entities.

The dispute centered on rights to the Bubble Lamp, originally created during Nelson's tenure as Design Director. MillerKnoll successfully argued that prior agreements covered ongoing commercial exploitation. No further appeals details were immediately available following the affirmance.

Sources: https://ipwatchdog.com/2026/07/10/bites-barks-laura-peter-heads-to-wipo-cafc-says-new-ptab-findings-did-not-violate-remand-mandate/ https://business.cch.com/ipld/NelsonMillerKnoll6thCir20260707070826.pdf