An examining attorney in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office declined to allow registration of "Sazerac Stitches" by Laurel Designs LLC as a mark for "retail stores services" citing likelihood of confusion with an existing Sazerac mark registered by Sazerac Brands LLC. That Sazerac mark is registered for, among other things, “Online retail store services featuring distilled spirits, beverage glassware, cocktail accessories, T-shirts, caps, postcards, and cocktail recipe books,” in International Class 35.

Laurel Designs sells lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decor items. After losing an appeal before the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board. Laurel Designs appealed to the Federal Circuit, which also upheld the examiner.