Young v. United States ex rel. Vuitton et Fils S.A.

Vuitton (plaintiff) settled a trademark dispute with Young (defendant) under a court-approved agreement barring further violations. When Young allegedly violated the settlement, Vuitton moved to hold him in contempt, and Vuitton's own attorneys were appointed special prosecutors for the contempt proceeding. A jury convicted Young, and the Second Circuit affirmed.

Whether counsel for a party that is the beneficiary of a court order can be appointed as prosecutor in a contempt action alleging a violation of that order.