The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Tuesday delivered a knockout blow to Vivint, rejecting its appeal and upholding a massive $189.7 million jury verdict in favor of CPI Security Systems Inc., a regional rival in North Carolina. The ruling concluded a high-stakes legal saga that accused Vivint of spreading lies and luring customers through deceptive door-to-door sales tactics—a maneuver that the jury found tantamount to trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Appeal Crumbles Under Judicial Scrutiny
In a searing opinion, U.S. Circuit Judge Paul V. Niemeyer, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said Vivint had already enjoyed a fair trial and would not get another shot.
“Vivint had its day in court,” Judge Niemeyer wrote. “The district court performed well within its discretion… and the jury spoke clearly.”
Vivint had contested the findings, arguing that CPI failed to prove its case under North Carolina’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA) and that the $140 million punitive damages award exceeded legal limits. The panel was unmoved.
