Coffee Firm’s Bid for Insurance Coverage Denied in Mislabeling Case

Thang Truong
Thang Truong
Updated on:

A federal appellate court has sustained a lower court’s verdict favoring a group of insurers, including Liberty Mutual Insurance Group divisions, in a product liability coverage disagreement. The court found that the misrepresentation of the origin of coffee beans does not constitute disparagement.

Based in Nunica, Michigan, L&K Coffee LLC, a coffee roaster and vendor, along with several other coffee firms, was prosecuted for “false indication of origin, false marketing, and unfair trade practices,” in violation of the federal Lanham Act. The lawsuit was brought forward by coffee cultivators in Hawaii’s Kona region, as per the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati’s ruling in the case L&K Coffee LLC, d/b/a Magnum Roastery; Kevin Kihnke v. LM Insurance Corp.; Liberty Insurance Corp.; Selective Way Insurance Co.; Valley Forge Insurance Co.; Continental Casualty Co.

The plaintiffs accused the defendants of misrepresenting the origin of their coffee as Kona, whereas most of the coffee beans used in their products were actually procured from various other global regions.

L&K requested their insurers to offer defense and indemnification under their “personal and advertising injury” coverage policies. When the insurers refused, L&K took the matter to the U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The District Court sided with the insurers, a verdict which was later confirmed by a three-judge appellate panel.

L&K argued that the insurers were obliged to defend it based on the disparagement and slogan violation aspects of its policies’ personal and advertising injury coverage.

The panel’s decision highlighted that the term “disparagement” was not present in the plaintiffs’ complaint. The core argument of the complaint was that L&K incorrectly declared that its coffee originated from the Kona region.

However, the ruling stated, “this is not ‘disparagement’ as comprehended under Michigan law and hence, under the agreement.”

Gregory M. Hatton, L&K’s legal counsel from Hatton Petrie & Stackler APC in Aliso Viejo, California, issued a statement. Part of it read, “I am not in agreement that any Kona farmer suffered due to the labeling issues in the underlying case. But this was a case demanding a duty to defend, and the allegations are what impel the insurer’s duty to defend. The meritlessness of the allegations is irrelevant to the duty to defend.”

The insurers’ legal representatives did not offer any comment in response to requests.

Thang Truong

Thang Truong covers small business insurance and small business success at BravoPolicy. He is a licensed P&C insurance agent. Previously, he held product leadership positions at realtor.com, Capital One, NerdWallet, and Mulberry Technology. He holds a MBA degree from UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business.

More Stories

Walmart’s Innovative Solution to Truck Driver Shortage: Training Its Own Employees

In response to the truck driver shortage experienced last year, retail giant Walmart took a novel approach by offering its vast workforce of 1.6 million employees the opportunity to learn how to drive a big rig for the company. This initiative included attractive first-year salaries of up to $110,000 and a comprehensive 12-week training program. […]

California’s Legislative Move to Bridge Insurance Data Gaps for Zero-Emission Trucks

California is making strides in its commitment to environmental sustainability, with a new bill in the statehouse aimed at addressing insurance data gaps for heavy-duty trucks and truck fleets that utilize advanced fuels and related technologies. This move comes as part of the state’s broader initiative to transition to zero-emission vehicle truck standards. The Clean […]

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A Beacon of Stability Amidst P/C Sector Volatility

In 2022, the underwriting results of workers’ compensation insurers outshone the rest of the U.S. property/casualty (P/C) commercial sector. This success is attributed to the long-term decrease in workplace accidents and a reduction in fraudulent claims, as reported by an industry segment report from A.M. Best. Favorable Loss Reserve Development The report highlights that the […]

Arizona Beverages’ Victory: A Landmark Case for Business Interruption Insurance

In a recent landmark case, Arizona Beverages USA LLC emerged victorious in a lawsuit against a Hanover Insurance Group unit. The dispute centered around coverage for business interruption caused by a computer breakdown. This case has set a precedent, providing clarity on what constitutes extra expenses incurred by insureds to avoid or reduce business interruption. […]

J&J’s $18.8M Case: A Reminder of Product Liability Insurance

In a recent legal case, Johnson & Johnson, a multinational corporation known for its consumer goods, was ordered to pay $18.8 million to a California man who claimed to have developed cancer due to exposure to the company’s baby powder. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial implications businesses may face […]

Insurance Coverage Denied for Nonexistent Building: A Look at the Impact on Commercial Property Insurance

In a recent ruling that has sent ripples through the business insurance sector, a federal appeals court upheld that an insurance policy cannot cover a building that was non-existent at the time the policy was issued. This decision, favoring a unit of Hanover Insurance Group, has significant implications for businesses and their commercial property insurance […]

OSHA’s New Initiative: Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Retail Establishments

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently announced a national emphasis program aimed at mitigating workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and other establishments classified as “high-risk retail.” This initiative is a response to the growing concerns over the safety of these workplaces, which have seen a surge in accidents parallel […]

The Changing Landscape of Opioid Use in Workers Compensation Cases

The issue of opioid use in workers compensation cases has been a topic of concern for many years. However, recent data suggests a shift in the trend, with a decrease in opioid prescriptions but an increase in prescriptions for managing opioid dependency. This article delves into these trends and discusses the importance of workers compensation […]

A Landmark Victory: Dentist’s Insurance Claim Sets Precedent for COVID-19 Business Loss Coverage

In an unprecedented legal victory, a Pennsylvania dentist has successfully claimed insurance for business losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This landmark case, involving Dr. Timothy A. Ungarean, DMD, D/B/A Smile Savers Dentistry, PC, has set a significant precedent for similar cases in the future. The state Supreme Court’s decision to hear this case, […]

The Struggles and Triumphs of Childcare Providers: A Case Study of Rockin’ Round the Clock

Childcare providers play a crucial role in society, nurturing and educating children during their most formative years. However, the challenges they face are often overlooked. This article explores the struggles and triumphs of childcare providers, focusing on a specific case study: Rockin’ Round the Clock, a childcare center in Ohio. The Challenges of Childcare Providers […]