BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge in Massachusetts says a lawsuit over the use of Julia Child’s name should be heard in California, where a related lawsuit is pending.
The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts says BSH Home Appliances Corp., which makes Thermador ovens, is using the late chef’s name without permission. The company’s advertising has included pictures of Child and referred to her use of Thermador products.
The Irvine, Calif.-based manufacturer says it’s simply making a factual reference to Child’s use of its appliances.
BSH filed its lawsuit in Massachusetts. Foundation lawyers argued that the case should be heard in California, where it filed state and federal lawsuits against BSH.
U.S. District Judge William Young said Thursday that the BSH lawsuit will be transferred to federal court in Los Angeles.
