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Indiana Intellectual Property Blog

~ Trademark and Copyright Law Updates in Indiana

Indiana Intellectual Property Blog

Category Archives: Trademark

Forest River sues RV Branding Company Sharpline for Contributory Trademark Infringement

08 Monday Jul 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Contributory Trademark Infringement, Damon R. Leichty, Michael G. Gotsch

Forest River recently settled a trademark lawsuit for $2 million against inTech Trailers, a competing RV manufacturer. Apparently not all guilty parties have faced justice, as Forest River has filed a new lawsuit against the company that provided branding services to inTech, Sharpline Converting from Wichita, Kansas (“Sharpline”). Sharpline assists with the production, design and manufacturing of RVs, as well as providing branding services. Unsurprisingly, Sharpline has an office and does significant business in Elkart, Indiana, the RV Capital of the World.

As detailed in the Complaint (below), the same Sharpline employee was secretly providing design services to both Forest River and inTech at the time of the alleged infringement. The Complaint includes a single claim of Contributory Trademark Infringement, asserting that Sharpline should be jointly and severally liable with inTech for the infringement.

Stay tuned to this blog for monthly IP updates with the latest on this lawsuit and all other pending Indiana copyright and trademark lawsuits.

Forest River, Inc. v. Sharpline Converting, Inc.

Court Case Number: 3:24-cv-00541-DRL-MGG
File Date: July 2, 2024
Plaintiff: Forest River, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Philip R. Bautista, JoZeff W. Gebolys, Michael C. Terrell, Tracy N. Betz of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Defendant: Sharpline Converting, Inc.
Cause: Contributory Trademark Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Damon R. Leichty
Referred To: Michael G. Gotsch Sr.

Complaint:

View this document on Scribd

Indianapolis Company sued for sale of Unauthorized Animal Health Supplements on Amazon

25 Tuesday Jun 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Indiana, Indianapolis, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Federal False Description, Federal False Designation of Origin, Federal Trademark Infringement, Indiana Common Law Tortious Interference with a Contract, M. Kendra Klump, Sarah Evans Barker

Nutramax Laboratories (“Nutramax”) produces health supplements for companion animals. In February 2024, Nutramax filed a trademark lawsuit against a Fort Wayne company for the sale of unauthorized animal health supplements on Amazon. Nutramax is now back in the Southern District in Indiana pursuing an Indianapolis company for similar violations.

It must feel like whack-a-mole for the plaintiff’s counsel, as unauthorized resellers can disappear just as fast as they appear. Nutramax has no option but to go through this legal process in order to get Amazon to take action and remove the unauthorized sales. In the context of health supplements for animals, potentially leading to illness or death if unsafe, this plaintiff simply can’t sit back and take no action when it sees counterfeit or unauthorized sales.

Stay tuned for updates on this case and look out for the June Indiana Intellectual Property Litigation Update in the next few days for the latest on the February lawsuit (and all other pending Indiana IP cases).

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. et al v. Abumyyaleh Bros LLC et al

Court Case Number: 1:24-cv-01047-SEB-MKK
File Date: June 20, 2024
Plaintiff: Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Blake P. Holler of Krieg Default LLP
Defendant: Abumayyaleh Bros LLC, Mohammad Abumayyaleh
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, Federal False Designation of Origin, Federal False Description, Indiana Common Law Tortious Interference with a Contract
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Sarah Evans Barker
Referred To: M. Kendra Klump

Complaint:

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May 2024 Indiana Intellectual Property Litigation Update

15 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Litigation Update

May in Indy! While most people are spending their time at the racetrack, Indiana IP litigators are still hard at work. There were numerous settlements in the last month, perhaps because the parties realized they would rather be at the track than in court. Read on below for updates on all pending Indiana trademark and copyright litigation.

Forest River, Inc. v. inTech Trailers, Inc. (ND, filed 8/31/2021) – Now post-judgment, the parties are busy figuring out how much the attorneys should be paid.

Gabet et al. v. Amazon.com. Inc. et al. (ND, filed 1/20/2022) – There were over 2 dozen filings since last month, so if you’re following this case closely, you’ll want to go check out PACER.

The Evolutionary Level Above Human, Inc. v. Havel et al (ND, filed 5/18/2022) – No update this month.

Oakley, Inc. v. Batter’s Box Training, LLC et al (SD, filed 8/11/2022) –  No update this month. The lawsuit is still awaiting the Court’s action on the plaintiff’s Stipulation of Dismissal filed on January 18, 2024.

Honest Abe Roofing franchise, Inc. v. DCH & Associates, LLC et al. (SD, filed 9/7/2022) –  No update this month.

The Center for Gestalt Development, Inc. v. Bowman (SD (11/09/2022) – No update this month. 

1.4G Holdings, LLC v. North Central Industries, Inc. et al. (SD 1/05/2023) –  The lawsuit was dismissed on May 7, 2024.

Sak Group, Inc. v. Blue Hill Hospitality, Inc. (ND 4/25/2023) – No update this month.

National College Resources Foundation v. The Strong Friends LLC et al. (ND 5/4/2023) –  No update this month.

Sadowski v. Restoration 1 by J&D, LLC (SD 7/12/2023) –  On April 17, 2024, the parties filed a Joint Notice of Settlement. Dismissal papers must be filed by May 30, 2024.

Nickel and Dimes Incorporated v. Noah’s Arcade LLC et al (ND 7/25/2023) – On May 14, 2024, the Plaintiff filed a Motion to Compel Discovery and accompanying Brief in Support.

Banjo Corporation v. Green Leaf, Inc. (SD 9/29/2023) – A Telephonic Discovery Conference is scheduled on May 22, 2024. Position statements are due by May 16, 2024.

Perma-Green Supreme, Inc. v. Dr. Permagreen, LLC et al. (ND 10/06/2023) – No update this month.

Radic v. AllCity Adjusting LLC et al (ND 11/03/2023) –  The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed on May 9, 2024.

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. et al. v. Luxury Mattress & Furniture, LLC (ND 11/09/2023) – No update this month.

Stross v. Homestead Properties, Inc. (SD 11/09/2023) – The Defendant’s deadline to file a Reply to its Motion to Dismiss has been extended to May 16, 2024.

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. et al v. CNB Retailers, LLC et al. (ND 2/08/2024) – A Tentative Notice of Settlement was filed by the Plaintiff on May 9, 2024.

Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC et al v. Blu Moo Ice Cream Inc. et al. (SD 2/14/2024) – On April 23, 2024, the Plaintiff filed Notice of Defendant’s Failure to Show Cause. On May 7, 2024, the Magistrate Judge recommended that the Plaintiff’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction be granted and entry of a default judgment.

Sadowski v. Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV (SD 2/21/2024) – The Defendant filed its Answer on April 19, 2024, including the following affirmative defenses:

  1. Plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
  2. Plaintiff has not been damaged as a result of Defendant’s alleged conduct.
  3. Defendant’s alleged conduct was fair use under 17 U.S.C. § 107.
  4. Defendant’s alleged conduct was authorized by or through Plaintiff or its
    licensees or agents, such as the New York Post, through distribution of the accused image on websites, news services, and/or social media accounts subject to terms permitting reuse and/or redistribution.
  5. Defendant’s alleged conduct was de minimis and therefore not actionable.
View this document on Scribd

Valcrum, LLC v. Dexter Axle Company, LLC (SD 3/1/2024) – The Defendant filed its Answer on April 22, 2024.

View this document on Scribd

Rigsby v. All Seasons Roofing (ND 3/14/2024) – An Amended Complaint was filed on May 3, 2024.

Optical Tactics, LLC d/b/a Fort Wayne Printing Company v. Allen & Goes Marketing Company (ND 3/29/2024) – The lawsuit was dismissed on May 9, 2024 via a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal.

Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd v. Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd. et al. (SD 4/11/2024) –

Peugh et al. v. Nadler et al. (SD 5/3/2024) – No update yet.

April 2024 Updates – March 2024 Updates – February 2024 Updates – January 2024 Updates

December 2023 Updates – December 2022 Updates –  December 2021 Updates

Twisted Tater Food Truck sues Twisted Taters for Trademark Infringement

06 Monday May 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Branding, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Common Law Trademark Infringement, Federal Trademark Infringement, Indiana State Trademark Infringement, James R. Sweeney II, Tim A. Baker, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Unfair Competition, Unfair Use of Trade Name

Both parties in the latest Indiana trademark lawsuit operate food trucks in Indiana. The plaintiff has been operating as Twisted Tater since 2012, selling spiral cut potatoes placed on a skewer and deep fried.

The defendant apparently began operating as Twisted Taters in July 2021, selling “gourmet ribbon fryz.”

Plaintiff’s counsel sent a cease-and-desist letter in October 2023 and, unable to find a suitable resolution, now seek the intervention of the Southern District of Indiana.

The plaintiff received an Indiana state registration for their logo in 2016. They also received an Indiana trademark registration for the word mark TWISTED TATER on April 1, 2024. The plaintiff filed a federal trademark application for TWISTED TATER on March 29, 2024. However, a Google search reveals that there are several “Twisted Taters” in operation across the country, so the plaintiff may have some additional enforcement work and/or opposition defenses before they receive a federal registration. There are also some prior registrations for TWISTER FRIES and TWISTER that may lead to a Section 2(d) “likelihood of confusion” refusal.

Stay tuned for updates.

Peugh et al. v. Nadler et al.

Court Case Number: 1:24-cv-00764-JRS-TAB
File Date: May 3, 2024
Plaintiff: Charlotta Pugh, BCC Concessions, LLC d/b/a Twisted Tater
Plaintiff Counsel: Katie M. Charleston of Katie Charleston Law, PC
Defendant: Adam J. Nadler, Jr., Twisted Taters Food Truck and More, Does 1-10
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, Indiana State Trademark Infringement, Common Law Trademark Infringement, Unfair Use of Trade Name, Unfair Competition, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Cybersquatting
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: James R. Sweeney II
Referred To: Tim A. Baker

Complaint:

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April 2024 Indiana Intellectual Property Litigation Update

15 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Litigation Update

It has been a mostly quiet month in Indiana IP litigation, with a few dismissals and several judge reassignments. Read on below for updates on all pending Indiana copyright and trademark litigation. Leave a comment about which case(s) you are following most closely.

Forest River, Inc. v. inTech Trailers, Inc. (ND, filed 8/31/2021) –On March 29, 2024, the Plaintiff received a judgment for $2 million, along with a permanent injunction. On April 3, 2024, the Plaintiff filed a Motion for Attorney Fees requesting an additional $1.26 million for attorneys’ fees, $5.56 million for profit disgorgement, and $244,000 in prejudgment interest.

View this document on Scribd

View this document on Scribd

Gabet et al. v. Amazon.com. Inc. et al. (ND, filed 1/20/2022) – Over the last month, the parties made numerous filings pertaining to discovery disputes and attorney fees.

View this document on Scribd

The Evolutionary Level Above Human, Inc. v. Havel et al (ND, filed 5/18/2022) – On March 21, 2024, Defendant Bartel filed a response to the Court’s Order to Show Cause addressing whether he should be sanctioned for repetitive and baseless motions.

Oakley, Inc. v. Batter’s Box Training, LLC et al (SD, filed 8/11/2022) –  No update this month. The lawsuit is still awaiting the Court’s action on the plaintiff’s Stipulation of Dismissal filed on January 18, 2024.

Honest Abe Roofing franchise, Inc. v. DCH & Associates, LLC et al. (SD, filed 9/7/2022) –  On April 4, 2024, a Closed Final Judgment was entered. The Plaintiff was awarded $186,000 in contractual damages and $84,000 in contractual attorney fees.

The Center for Gestalt Development, Inc. v. Bowman (SD (11/09/2022) – No update this month.

1.4G Holdings, LLC v. North Central Industries, Inc. et al. (SD 1/05/2023) –  No update this month.

Sak Group, Inc. v. Blue Hill Hospitality, Inc. (ND 4/25/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

National College Resources Foundation v. The Strong Friends LLC et al. (ND 5/4/2023) –  On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Cristal C. Brisco for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Sadowski v. Restoration 1 by J&D, LLC (SD 7/12/2023) –  An initial pretrial conference is scheduled on May 8, 2024.

Nickel and Dimes Incorporated v. Noah’s Arcade LLC et al (ND 7/25/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Cristal C. Brisco for all further proceedings. Judge Damon R. Leichty is no longer assigned to the case.

Hoffman v. Lauth Investigations International Inc. (SD 9/18/2023) – A Joint Stipulation of Dismissal was filed on March 18, 2024 and the case was dismissed by the Court the following day.

Banjo Corporation v. Green Leaf, Inc. (SD 9/29/2023) – A Status Conference was held on March 27, 2024. An in-person settlement conference is scheduled on September 23, 2024.

Perma-Green Supreme, Inc. v. Dr. Permagreen, LLC et al. (ND 10/06/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Secada Medical LLC d/b/a Ventris Medical, LLC v. Nexxt Spine, LLC (SD 11/01/2023) – A Joint Stipulation of Dismissal was filed on March 22, 2024 and the case was dismissed by the Court on March 25, 2024.

Radic v. AllCity Adjusting LLC et al (ND 11/03/2023) –  A Notice of Settlement was filed on April 9, 2024. The Court has ordered the filing of dismissal papers by May 10, 2024.

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. et al. v. Luxury Mattress & Furniture, LLC (ND 11/09/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Stross v. Homestead Properties, Inc. (SD 11/09/2023) – The Court has ordered the Plaintiff to refile its two prior-filed Motions to Dismiss as a single motion, which the Plaintiff did on April 5, 2024.

Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd v. Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd. (SD 1/08/2024) – A Notice of Voluntary Dismissal was filed by the Plaintiff on April 11, 2024 and the case was terminated.

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. et al v. CNB Retailers, LLC et al. (ND 2/08/2024) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Damon R. Leichty is no longer assigned to the case.

Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC et al v. Blu Moo Ice Cream Inc. et al. (SD 2/14/2024) – The Defendants failed to appear at an Status Conference on April 12, 2024. The Defendants have been ordered to show good cause for their failure to appear by April 22, 2024.

Sadowski v. Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV (SD 2/21/2024) – An initial pretrial conference is scheduled on May 8, 2024.

Valcrum, LLC v. Dexter Axle Company, LLC (SD 3/1/2024) – The Defendant’s time to answer has been extended by agreed notice to April 22, 2024. G. Thomas Williams III has appeared pro hac vice on behalf of the Defendant.

Rigsby v. All Seasons Roofing (ND 3/14/2024) – No update yet.

Optical Tactics, LLC d/b/a Fort Wayne Printing Company v. Allen & Goes Marketing Company (ND 3/29/2024) – No update yet.

March 2024 Updates – February 2024 Updates – January 2024 Updates

December 2023 Updates – December 2022 Updates –  December 2021 Updates

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