Dive Brief:
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J.C. Penney Monday filed an appeal of a New York State Supreme Court ruling last month that the retailer had interfered with a contract between Macy’s department store and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
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The case stems from a deal brokered by former J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson to feature home goods designed by Martha Stewart for Penney’s own label; Macy’s sued two years ago.
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In his June 16 ruling, Justice Jeffrey Oing had harsh words for J.C. Penney and imposed monetary damages, but also said that Macy’s had been unable to establish cause for punitive damages.
Dive Insight:
This courtroom saga is one of Ron Johnson’s less-than-stellar legacies left for his former employer. J.C. Penney’s appeal in this case is logical, but it continues the merry-go-round drama. Indeed, Macy’s has said it will appeal the Supreme Court’s June 16 denial of punitive damages “in light of” this appeal by Penney.