Adams & Reese Partner Maia Woodhouse Quoted in Law360 on Schedule A Litigation Appeal

Law360’s recent feature, “Trademark Cases to Watch in 2026,” includes commentary from Adams & Reese Partner and IP Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team Leader Maia Woodhouse on a Seventh Circuit appeal that could influence how courts handle anti-counterfeiting actions. The case, Louis Poulsen AS v. Lightzey, is attracting attention as judges take a closer look at the fairness of Schedule A litigation.

Background

Schedule A lawsuits have become a common tool for brand owners to combat online counterfeiting. These cases often involve large groups of anonymous sellers and allow plaintiffs to seek ex parte orders freezing accounts before defendants are notified. While effective, this approach has raised concerns about due process and procedural safeguards.

In the current appeal, Lightzey, a U.K.-based e-commerce platform, is challenging the denial of its request for legal fees after being dismissed from a Schedule A complaint filed by Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen AS. Poulsen dropped Lightzey from the case on jurisdictional grounds, and arguments before the Seventh Circuit are scheduled for February 20.

Woodhouse’s Perspective

Woodhouse explained that Lightzey faces significant hurdles because fee denials are reviewed under a highly deferential standard. She anticipates a narrow ruling that avoids broader questions about the overall propriety of Schedule A litigation, such as joinder and jurisdiction. Still, in the article from Law360, she noted the case is drawing interest because of increased judicial scrutiny:

“People are seeing what’s happening at the district court level and wondering how that impacts the future of Schedule A litigation,” Woodhouse said, adding that these lawsuits remain a "critical component in the toolkit for fighting counterfeiting."

Why It Matters

Even if the decision is limited to the fee issue, the appeal highlights a trend toward closer examination of enforcement tactics. Brand owners should stay informed and work with experienced counsel to ensure strategies align with evolving court expectations.

Read the full Law360 article, “Trademark Cases to Watch in 2026,” here.