Tag Archives: Susan L. Collins

Super 8 sues Past Franchisee for Violation of Franchise Agreement, Unauthorized Transfer of Hotel

27 Tuesday Dec 2016

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

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The Defendants in this lawsuit are alleged to have transferred possession of their “Super 8”-franchised hotel (located in Auburn, Indiana) in violation of the terms of their Franchise Agreement.

The new owner, also named as a defendant, has continued to use Plaintiff’s trademarks despite termination of the Franchise Agreement in July 2014.

As is customary for franchise violations, a lawsuit often must be filed to protect not only the Plaintiff and its trademarks, but also the rights of the rest of its valid franchisees. Allowing unauthorized franchises to exist without repercussions can undermine the rights of valid paying franchise holders.

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Super 8 Worldwide Inc. v. Auburn Lodging Associates LLP et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00435-PPS-SLC
File Date: Thursday, December 22, 2016
Plaintiff: Super 8 Worldwide Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: Richard M. Blaiklock, Charles R. Whybrew of Lewis Wagner, LLP
Defendant: Auburn Lodging Associates, LLP, Kokila Patel, Dilip Patel, Chicago Capital Holdings, LLC
Cause: Trademark Infringement (Service Mark Infringement), False Designation of Origin, Counterfeiting, Indiana State Trademark Infringement, Indiana State Unfair Competition, Accounting, Liquidated Damages, Actual Damages, Recurring Fees, Unjust Enrichment, Guarantors’ Liability, Self-Help
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

ZIG-ZAG looks to smoke out counterfeiters in Indiana

18 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by in Branding, Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Trade Dress, Trademark

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This is an anti-counterfeiting action against an extensive list of defendants who allegedly manufacture, import and sell counterfeit versions of Plaintiff’s ZIG-ZAG cigarette papers in Indiana.

As expected, the counterfeit products are “inferior, cheaper versions sold without any known quality control or authorization.”

Stopping counterfeiters is a difficult task and, as seen here, must often be done on a state-by-state basis.

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North Atlantic Operating Company, Inc. et al v. KPC Distributor Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00307-PPS-SLC
File Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Plaintiff: North Atlantic Operating Company, Inc.; National Tobacco Company, L.P.
Plaintiff Counsel: Gregory W. Pottorff, Adam Arceneaux of Ice Miller
Defendant: KPC Distributor Inc. et al.
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, False Designation of Origin, Trade Dress Infringement, Federal Copyright Infringement, Common Law Unfair Competition, Common Law Trademark Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

Pro Se Plaintiff sues National Heritage Academies for infringement of educational program

30 Monday May 2016

Posted by in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana

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The Plaintiff (handling this case pro se) alleges that the Defendant has infringed the copyrighted work “TIRS” (Transitioning Into Responsible Students), an educational program she claimed to develop while working at Indianapolis Public Schools.

At a whopping 268 pages, the Complaint was too large to post (or read in its entirety). The Plaintiff had previously sued her past employer, Indianapolis Public Schools, under a similar claim, with no success.

Brooks-Ngwenya v. National Heritage Academies Inc

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00183-PPS-SLC
File Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Plaintiff: Brooks-Ngwenya
Plaintiff Counsel: Pro Se
Defendant: National Heritage Academies Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

[Updated 6/8/2016 with related case]

Brooks-Ngwenya v. Bart Peterson’s The Mind Trust

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00183-PPS-SLC
File Date: Monday, June 6, 2016
Plaintiff: Brooks-Ngwenya
Plaintiff Counsel: Pro Se
Defendant: Bart Peterson’s The Mind Trust
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Bedding companies in neighboring counties both claim BAMBOO LUXURY trademark

17 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by in Branding, Indiana, Indianapolis, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana

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Pillow fight! This trademark lawsuit involves the trademark BAMBOO LUXURY in connection with bedding and other household textiles.

bed sheets, bedspreads, bath mats, blankets, comforters, coverlets, curtains, duvets, duvet covers, furniture protectors, mattress pads, pillowcases, pillow shams, quilts, shams, sheets, sheet sets and throws

Plaintiff, located in Steuben County, Indiana, has used its registered trademark BAMBOO LUXURY since April 2015. An intent-to-use application had been filed with the USPTO in June 2014.

Defendant, located in neighboring LaGrange County, Indiana, uses the same trademark in connection with sheets. It is not clear when Defendant began using the trademark, although Plaintiff asserts that it is the senior user.

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Stay tuned for updates. This one could get dirty.

Duke Imports Inc. v. All That Jazz Trading LLC

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00160-TLS-SLC
File Date: Monday, May 16, 2016
Plaintiff: Duke Imports Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: James A. McEntarfer
Defendant: All That Jazz Trading LLC
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, Common Law Unfair Competition
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

Narconon Rehab Centers sued by Certification Board for Trademark Infringement and Civil Conspiracy

28 Monday Mar 2016

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

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Plaintiff, the National Association of Forensic Counselors, is a Certification Board providing nationally accredited certifications for professionals working with criminal offenders in the fields of criminal justice, corrections, addictions and mental health.

Defendants (a long list, including numerous Narconon rehab centers and the Church of Scientology, is listed in the Complaint below) are alleged to have falsely claimed certification by Plaintiff. The Complaint includes a “Civil Conspiracy” claim, alleging that there was a common plan by all Defendants to intentionally falsely claim the certifications.

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National Association of Forensic Counselors, Inc. et al v. Narconon International et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00101-JD-SLC
File Date: Thursday, March 24, 2016
Plaintiff: National Association of Forensic Counselors, Inc., American Academy of Certified Forensic Counselors Inc. d/b/a American College of Certified Forensic Counselors
Plaintiff Counsel: Jessica Wegg of Saeed & Little, LLP
Defendant: Narconon International et al (see Complaint for full list of Defendants)
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, Common Law Trademark Infringement, Civil Conspiracy
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

Indiana Copyright Litigation Update – Sweetwater Sound v. Hello Music

22 Tuesday Mar 2016

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

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Plaintiff, an Indiana music instrument and audio equipment retailer, alleges that Defendant developed and published a website utilizing content from Plaintiff’s site (product images, descriptions, etc.).

The Complaint includes claims of both copyright and trademark infringement.

Sweetwater Sound Inc v. Hello Music LLC

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00093
File Date: Friday, March 18, 2016
Plaintiff: Sweetwater Sound Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: J. Blake Hike, Jacque R. Wilson, Eric M. Blume of Carson Boxberger LLP
Defendant: Hello Music, LLC
Cause: Copyright Infringement, Trademark Infringement, False Designation of Origin, Trademark Dilution, Unfair Competition
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

Nebraska Home Designer Files Copyright Lawsuits Over Misappropriated Architectural Drawings

05 Friday Feb 2016

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

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Design Basics, LLC, an Omaha, Nebraska-based home plan designer, has filed several copyright lawsuits against Indiana home builders involving misappropriated architectural drawings. All home builders should know that architectural drawings are protected by copyright law.

[Updated 2/16/16 with additional lawsuit]

[Updated 4/1/16 with additional lawsuits]

[Updated 5/18/16 with additional lawsuit]

[Updated 5/20/16 with additional lawsuits]

[Updated 5/23/16 with additional lawsuits]

[Updated 5/31/16 with additional lawsuit]

[Updated 6/15/16 with additional lawsuit]

[Updated 7/14/16 with additional lawsuits]

Design Basics, LLC v. Lancia Homes, Inc.

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00047
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Lancia Homes, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. Carriage Place Homes, Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00048
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Carriage Place Homes, Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. Culver Construction, Inc. et al

Court Case Number:  1:2016-cv-00049
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Culver Construction, Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Quality Crafted Homes Inc.

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00050
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Quality Crafted Homes Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. Windsor Homes, Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00051
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Windsor Homes, Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. Big C Lumber Co Inc.

Court Case Number: 3:2016-cv-00053
File Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Big C Lumber Co Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Christopher A. Nuechterlein

 

[Update 2/16/16]

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Shrader

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00364
File Date: Monday, February 15, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC, Plan Pros, Inc., Carmichael & Dame Designs, Inc.
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Michael Shrader d/b/a Palladian Home Design, Palladian Home Designs, Palladian Blueprints, Palladian Drafting & Design Services, Palladian Architectural Drafting & Design Services, and Palladian Design/Build
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Jane Magnus-Stinson
Referred To: Mark J. Dinsmore

Representative Complaints:

 

[Update 4/1/16]

Design Basics, LLC v. Straight Talk Construction, Inc.

Court Case Number: 3:2016-cv-00193
File Date: Thursday, March 31, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn
Defendant: Straight Talk Construction, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Christopher A. Nuechterlein

Design Basics, LLC v. W R Birkey & Associates Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 3:2016-cv-00195
File Date: Thursday, March 31, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn
Defendant: W R Birkey & Associates et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Christopher A. Nuechterlein

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Kerstiens Homes & Designs, Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 1:2016-cv-00726
File Date: Thursday, March 31, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn
Defendant: Kerstiens Homes & Designs, Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Tanya Walton Pratt
Referred To: Denise K. LaRue

Representative Complaint:

 

[Updated 5/18/16]

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Premier Homes of Southern Indiana, Inc.

Court Case Number: 4:16-cv-00073-RLY-DML
File Date: Monday, May 16, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Premier Homes of Southern Indiana, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Richard L. Young
Referred To: Debra McVicker Lynch

Complaint:

 

[Updated 5/20/16]

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Precision Homes, Inc.

Court Case Number: 2:16-cv-00179-PPS-JEM
File Date: Thursday, May 19, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Precision Homes, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: John E. Martin

Design Basics, LLC v. Westport Homes of Fort Wayne, Inc. et al.

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00170-JD-SLC
File Date: Thursday, May 19, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Westport Homes of Fort Wayne, Inc.; Westport Homes, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Representative Complaint:

 

[Updated 5/23/16]

Design Basics, LLC v. Slattery Builders LLC

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00174
File Date: Friday, May 20, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Slattery Builders, LLC
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: TBD
Referred To: TBD

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Heller & Sons, Incorporated et al.

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00175
File Date: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC; W.L. Martin Home Designs LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Heller & Sons, Incorporated d/b/a Heller Homes; Heller Development Corporation
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: TBD
Referred To: TBD

Representative Complaint:

 

[Updated 5/31/16]

Design Basics, LLC et al. v. Fireside Homes Inc et al.

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00181-JVB-SLC
File Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC, Plan Pros, Inc., W.L. Martin Home Designs LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Fireside Homes Inc., Fireside Development Company, LLC, Hearth Homes, Inc., Willies Development Corporation, Oakbrook Homes, Inc. d/b/a/ Juniper Homes, Oakbrook Homes, Willie’s Oakbrook Homes, Riverview Lumber and Building Supply Co., Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Joseph S. Van Bokkelen
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

 

[Updated 6/15/16]

Design Basics, LLC  v. KAM Construction, LLC et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00212
File Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: KAM Construction, LLC et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: TBD
Referred To: TBD

 

[Updated 7/14/16]

Design Basics, LLC v. Miller Builders Inc

Court Case Number: 3:16-cv-00390-PPS-CAN
File Date: Thursday, June 23, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Miller Builders Inc
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: Christopher A. Nuechterlein

Design Basics, LLC v. Citation Homes Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00232-TLS-SLC
File Date: Friday, June 24, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Citation Homes Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Sky Hill Homes, Inc., By Larry Myers et al

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-00247-TLS-SLC
File Date: Saturday, June 25, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Sky Hill Homes, Inc., By Larry Myers et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Milakis Homes, LLC et al

Court Case Number: 4:16-cv-00053-TLS-SLC
File Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Milakis Homes, LLC et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. DeVon Custom Home, Inc. et al

Court Case Number: 3:16-cv-00448-TLS-SLC
File Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: DeVon Custom Home, Inc. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. Dabrowski Construction, Inc.

Court Case Number: 2:16-cv-00322-PPS-JEM
File Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Dabrowski Construction, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Philip P. Simon
Referred To: John E. Martin

Design Basics, LLC v. Eenigengurg Builders, Inc.

Court Case Number: 2:16-cv-00323-JD-PRC
File Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Eenigengurg Builders, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Paul R. Cherry

Design Basics, LLC v. Regal Homes of Southern Indiana, L.L.C. et al

Court Case Number: 3:16-cv-00135-RLY-MPB
File Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Regal Homes of Southern Indiana, L.L.C. et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Richard L. Young
Referred To: Matthew P. Brookman

Design Basics, LLC v. Henderlong Homes LLC et al

Court Case Number: 2:16-cv-00324-TLS-SLC
File Date: Saturday, July 9, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Henderlong Homes LLC et al
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC et al v. Cook Builders.com, Inc.

Court Case Number: 2:16-cv-00325-TLS-SLC
File Date: Saturday, July 9, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Cook Builders.com, Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Theresa L. Springmann
Referred To: Susan L. Collins

Design Basics, LLC v. T.K. Constructors Inc.

Court Case Number: 1:16-cv-01841-SEB-DML
File Date: Saturday, July 9, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: T.K. Constructors Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Sarah Evans Barker
Referred To: Debra McVicker Lynch

Design Basics, LLC v. Rusk Builders Inc.

Court Case Number: 3:2016-cv-00459
File Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Plaintiff: Design Basics, LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John D. LaDue, Sean J. Quinn of LaDue | Curran | Kuehn
Defendant: Rusk Builders Inc.
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: TBD
Referred To: TBD

Pro Se Plaintiff sues The Mind Trust, Indianapolis Public Schools for Copyright Infringement (Again)

14 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana

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At its core, this is a copyright lawsuit involving educational “models.” However, this lawsuit is particularly interesting for several reasons. Here are a few:

  1. It’s a pro se plaintiff, hence a non-traditional intellectual property complaint. While only copyright claims seem at issue, the complaint was filed (again, by a pro se) as a 42 USC 1983 civil rights complaint.
  2. Several large, high-profile defendants. Which will take the lead? The complaint focuses on the “Bridges to Success Education School Model” and the “Phalen Leadership Academies Education School Model.”
  3. The copyright application (included in the complaint) was apparently also a pro se copyright application.
  4. Plaintiff has requested a Cease and Desist Order preventing several schools systems from using specific educational “Models” until the lawsuit is resolved.
  5. This is the first “intellectual property” lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Indiana since June 19. Welcome back!

For now, I’ll leave it to the Defendants’ lawyers to parse all the facts and allegations in the Complaint. Stay tuned for updates.

Angela E. Brooks-Ngwenya v. The Mind Trust et al

Court Case Number: 1:15-cv-00255-JD-SLC
File Date: Friday, September 11, 2015
Plaintiff: Angela E. Brooks-Ngwenya
Plaintiff Counsel: Angela E. Brooks-Ngwenya – Pro Se
Defendant: The Mind Trust, United Way of Central Indiana, Central Indiana Education Alliance, Phalen Leadership Academies, Indianapolis Public Schools
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Judge Jon E. DeGuilio
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Susan L. Collins

Complaint:

Prior Court of Appeals Decision:

Indiana Copyright Litigation Update: Baals LLC v. Pro Service Cleaning FW LLC

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana

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Baals LLC organizes the Baals Music Festival, a Fort Wayne event occurring annually since 2012. Baals (named for former mayor, Harry Baals) alleges that the defendants, Electric Promotions and Desiar, started organizing similar events in Fort Wayne after seeing the success of the Baals Music Festival. Baals claims that the defendants are using promotional materials that bear striking resemblance to Baals’. They further claim that the defendants are using promotional photographs and videos owned by Baals despite multiple requests to cease.

Baals LLC v. Pro Service Cleaning FW LLC et al

Court Case Number: 1:15-cv-00148-JVB-SLC
File Date: Monday, June 15, 2015
Plaintiff: Baals LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: Daniel D. Bobilya, Brandon J. Almas of Bonahoom & Bobilya LLC
Defendant: Pro Service Cleaning FW LLC, Desiar Eyewear LLC
Cause: Unfair Competition, False Designation of Origin, Copyright Infringement, Unjust Enrichment
Court: Northern District of Indiana
Judge: Judge Joseph S Van Bokkelen
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Susan L Collins