The State - News from Aug. 2, 1989

A federal judge in Fresno, who ruled in favor of wine makers Ernest and Julio Gallo in a trademark dispute with their brother, Joseph, has been accused by Joseph Gallo’s lawyer of a conflict of interest in the case. U.S. District Judge Robert Coyle ruled June 20 that Joseph Gallo’s use of his name on cheese he was selling misled the public, because many assumed the brand was connected with his brothers’ E & J Gallo Winery. Attorney Josph A. Yanny has demanded a new trial, saying Coyle was with the law firm that represented the winery during settlement of a trademark dispute with Gallo Salami of San Francisco in 1983, before Coyle became a judge. Coyle denied any conflict, saying he was not involved in the Gallo Salami case.