Fujifilm Must Face Trial Over Polaroid’s Trademark Claims

Fujifilm North American Corp. will head to trial over trademark infringement claims filed by Polaroid entities regarding its signature white-bordered instant photo design. A U.S. District Court ruling from Monday mandates that Fujifilm face trial on most of the claims, marking a significant development in the nearly decade-long legal battle.

Polaroid argues that Fujifilm’s Instax Square film design closely mirrors its own iconic border, raising questions about Fujifilm’s contradictory legal stance. While Fujifilm seeks design patent protection for its own product, it claims Polaroid’s similar design is functional and not deserving of trademark protection. The case, unfolding in the Southern District of New York, pits the two imaging giants against each other, with a judge noting potential inconsistencies in Fujifilm’s argument. As the trial progresses, the outcome may impact the future of both brands’ intellectual property protections in the competitive world of instant photography.