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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO.: _____________________________________
A.G. FINDINGS & MFG. CO., INC., d/b/a BALLISTIC CASE CO., a Florida corporation, Plaintiff, v. BODEGA CORP. D/B/A CASE-OLOGY, a California corporation, Defendants. ______________________________________/ VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR PATENT AND TRADE DRESS INFRINGEMENT AND UNFAIR COMPETITION JURY DEMAND
VERIFIED COMPLAINT Plaintiff, A.G. FINDINGS & MFG. CO., INC., d/b/a BALLISTIC CASE CO., a Florida corporation (hereinafter A.G. Findings), by and through its undersigned counsel, hereby alleges in its Complaint against Defendant, BODEGA CORP. D/B/A CASE-OLOGY, a California corporation (hereinafter Bodega), as follows: JURISDICTION AND VENUE 1. This is an action for patent and trade dress infringement and unfair competition
arising under 35 U.S.C. 271(a) and the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1)(A). 2. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action under 28 U.S.C.
1331 and 1338(a)-(b), and 15 U.S.C. 1121(a), and the laws of the State of Florida, including violations of the State of Floridas unfair competition laws under the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Fla. Stat. 501.201 to 501.213. 3. Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)(2) as a substantial part
of the events giving rise to the claims occurred in this District. Page 1 of 10
4.
Florida law, at least including Floridas long-arm statute. F.S. 48.193 (1)(b), (f)(1)-(2) and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4. THE PARTIES 5. A.G. Findings is a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in
Sunrise, Florida. 6. Bodega is a California corporation with its principal place of business at 20160
Paseo Del Prado, # F, Walnut, California 91789. 7. Upon information and belief, Bodega is in the business of importing, making,
selling, and offering to sell infringing mobile device cases in this District and throughout the United States, including in online catalogs accessible throughout the State of Florida. FACTUAL BACKGROUND A.G. Findings 8. A.G. Findings is well-known in the United States for designing and
manufacturing creative and protective mobile device cases. Using state-of-the-art materials and fashionable designs, A.G. Findings is recognized in the industry for providing superior quality and stylish products. 9. A.G. Findings markets, offers for sale, and sells protective mobile device cases
under the trademarks BALLISTIC and SG. The SG cases feature a distinctive combination of protective and aesthetic features that have made the SG cases popular amongst consumers and retailers. Indeed, sales of the SG cases eclipsed twenty million dollars since their first sale and the SG cases are sold by service providers, such as AT&T and SPRINT throughout the Page 2 of 10
United States and in this District, as well as by major retailers, such as Sams Club. A.G. Findings has further spent over one million dollars marketing its SG cases throughout the United States. 10. The SG case is offered for several makes and models of cell phones including
Samsung, Motorola, Apple, Blackberry, among others. A screenshot of an Apple iPhone 4/4S SG is shown in Exhibit A as an exemplary A.G. Findings SG case make and model. 11. Each of the SG cases include aesthetic, non-functional features that consumers
recognize as emanating from A.G. Findings, or its Florida registered fictitious name, Ballistic. In particular, each SG case includes aesthetic features on its corners, back and side portions, and further includes an aesthetic arrangement of alternating lower durometer material with higher durometer material, that make the overall appearance of the SG cases, regardless of the make and model, recognizable by the consumers. 12. Owing to its distinctive aesthetic features, its substantial sales, and the vast
expenditure of advertising by A.G. Findings, the SG case has acquired secondary meaning with consumers seeking to purchase a protective and stylish cell phone case, and who recognize the aesthetic features and overall appearance of the SG case as emanating from Ballistic. Accordingly, A.G. Findings has unregistered trade dress rights to its SG case. 13. A.G. Findings is the owner by assignment of U.S. Design Patent No. D682,260
issued on May 14, 2013 entitled MOBILE DEVICE CASE (the 260 Patent). Exhibit B. The 260 Patent is in full force and effect. The sole claim of the 260 Patent is directed toward a mobile device case as shown in the drawings of the 260 Patent.
Page 3 of 10
Bodega 14. Bodega is a retailer of accessories for cellular telephones and other mobile
electronic devices Bodega sells its products throughout the United States and throughout the world at least through its website at http://www.case-ology.com and through its eBay store Case-ology. 15. Bodega is importing, marketing, offering for sale, and selling, mobile device
cases to consumers in this District under the brand name Dual Layer Diamond Studs Combo Case, which cases are confusingly similar to the SG cases, and which cases are marketed and sold to the same consumers that A.G. Findings sells its SG cases to. In particular, Bodega is selling and/or offering for sale mobile device cases for many different models of Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, and other makers mobile devices that incorporate the source identifying non-functional features of the corresponding A.G. Findings SG case. Indeed, Bodegas website offers for sale dozens of different cases in different colors that are each substantially identical in appearance to A.G. Findings SG cases. For example, a back view of a Dual Layer Diamond Studs Combo Case brand protective case for the Nokia Lumia is shown in Exhibit C. The Bodega case shown in Exhibit C is confusingly similar to the A.G. Findings SG case shown in Exhibit B. 16. The Bodega case shown in Exhibit C embodies the patented design of the mobile
device case shown in the 260 Patent or is a colorable imitation thereof. 17. On June 8, 2012 undersigned counsel for A.G. Findings sent Bodega a cease and
desist letter demanding that Bodega, among other things, cease the importation and sale of
Page 4 of 10
Bodega counterfeit SG cases. Composite Exhibit E. The Bodega case shown in Exhibit D is virtually identical to the A.G. Findings SG case shown in Exhibit B. 18. On November 15, 2012, undersigned counsel sent another cease and desist letter
to Bodega when Bodega changed the back of the case shown in Exhibit D to the present diamond studded incarnation shown in Exhibit C. Composite Exhibit E. Despite Bodegas apparent attempts to design around A.G. Findings trade dress, the diamond studded version of the Bodega case shown in Exhibit C is confusingly similar to A.G. Findings trade dress. Thus, undersigned counsel demanded that Bodega cease and desist from selling the case shown in Exhibit C. 19. On April 5, 2013, undersigned counsel again sent Bodega a cease and desist letter
as a follow-up to its June 8, 2012 and November 15, 2012 letters vis--vis A.G. Findings SG cases and the continued sales of the cases shown in Exhibit C. Composite Exhibit E. No response to any of undersigned counsels letters was received from Bodega. 20. Bodega has willfully continued to offer for sale and sell counterfeit SG cases
since at least July 5, 2012. COUNT I INFRINGEMENT OF UNITED STATES DESIGN PATENT NO. D682,260 (FLA. STAT. 35 U.S.C. 271) 21. 22. A.G. Findings incorporates paragraphs 1- 20 from above. Defendant has been and still is directly infringing the 260 patent by, upon
information and belief, importing, making, selling, offering for sale and using certain mobile device cases that incorporate the invention disclosed in the 260 Patent, including, without limitation, the mobile device cases shown in Exhibit C attached hereto. Page 5 of 10
23.
Defendants conduct has caused, and, if not enjoined, will continue to cause,
irreparable harm and damage to the rights of A.G. Findings in its business, reputation, and goodwill.
COUNT II TRADE DRESS INFRINGEMENT 15 U.S.C. 1125(a) 24. 25. A.G. Findings incorporates paragraphs 1- 20 from above. Defendants mobile device cases incorporate the non-functional aesthetic features
of A.G. Findings SG cases that have acquired secondary meaning in the marketplace. 26. Defendants offering for sale and/or sale the mobile device cases identified above
is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of defendants with A.G. Findings, or as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of defendants mobile device cases by A.G. Findings. 27. Defendants conduct has caused, and, if not enjoined, will continue to cause,
irreparable harm and damage to the rights of A.G. Findings in its business, reputation, and goodwill.
COUNT III FLORIDA DECEPTIVE AND UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT (FLA. STAT. 501.201 TO 501.213) 28. 29. A.G. Findings incorporates paragraphs 1-20 from above. Defendants actions constitute unfair methods of competition and unfair or
deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce in violation of Florida Statute 501.204.
Page 6 of 10
30.
Defendant willfully used or practiced these unlawful acts under 501.204, and
knew or should have known that its acts were unlawful and would damage A.G. Findings and injure consumers deceptively. 31. A.G. Findings has been damaged directly and proximately by defendants
unlawful actions. 32. A.G. Findings is entitled to recover actual damages, plus reasonable attorneys
fees and costs for defendants violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. JURY DEMAND 33. A.G. Findings requests trial by a jury for all issues so triable.
Page 7 of 10
PRAYER FOR RELIEF A.G. Findings requests the Court: A. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 285 and/or Ch. 501, Florida Statutes, award A.G. Findings actual damages, attorneys fees and court costs. B. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283 and/or 15 U.S.C. 1116(a), enjoin the importation and sale of any and all of defendants products that are infringements of A.G. Findings design patent and/or are likely to cause confusion in the marketplace with A.G. Findings products; C. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284 and/or 289 and/or 15 U.S.C. 1117(a), order defendants to pay to A.G. Findings any profits realized from the sale of any infringing products, any damages sustained by A.G. Findings, and the cost of this action; D. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1118, order defendants to deliver to A.G. Findings for destruction, all labels, signs, prints, packages, wrappers, receptacles, and advertisements in the possession of defendants bearing the trade dress subject of the violation, or any reproduction, counterfeit, copy, or colorable imitation thereof, and all plates, molds, matrices, and other means of making the same; and E. Award A.G. Findings such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Page 8 of 10
Respectfully Submitted, By: s/ Alan M. Weisberg Alan M. Weisberg, Esq. aweisberg@cwiplaw.com Florida Bar No. 479349 Garrett Ari Barten, Esq. gbarten@cwiplaw.com Florida Bar No. 55371 CHRISTOPHER & WEISBERG, P.A. 200 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 2040 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (954) 828-1488 (Telephone) (954) 828-9122 (Facsimile) Attorneys for Plaintiff, A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co. Inc.
487469
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Plaintiff(s)
v.
BODEGA CORP. D/B/A CASE-OLOGY, a California corporation
Defendant(s)
) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION To: (Defendants name and address) Bodega Corp d/b/a Case-Ology
20160 Paseo Del Prado, # F Walnut, CA 91789
A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose name and address are:
Christopher & Weisberg, P.A. 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2040 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
CLERK OF COURT
Date:
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
Civil Action No. PROOF OF SERVICE (This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l)) This summons for (name of individual and title, if any) was received by me on (date) .
I personally served the summons on the individual at (place) on (date) I left the summons at the individuals residence or usual place of abode with (name) , a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there, on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individuals last known address; or , who is on (date) I returned the summons unexecuted because Other (specify): . My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ . ; or ; or ; or
I served the summons on (name of individual) designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization)
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EXHIBIT C
Purple Blk Dual Layer Impact Diamond Studs Combo Case Cover for Nokia Lumia 928 | ... Page 1 of 3 Case 0:13-cv-61559-RSR Document 1-5 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/19/2013 Page 2 of 4
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PURPLE BLK DUAL LAYER IMPACT DIAMOND STUDS COMBO CASE COVER FOR NOKIA LUMIA 928
Item New condition: Time left: 6d 10h (Jul 25, 2013
17:49:57 PDT)
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Condition: Compatible Brand: Material: Color: NOKIA Lumia 928 Polycarbonate And Silicone Combo Purple Type: Brand: MPN: Fitted Cases/Skins Case Ology NOK928-TRI-PPBK-STUDS
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PURPLE-BLK-DUAL-LAYER-IMPACT-DIAMOND-STUDS-... 7/19/2013
Purple Blk Dual Layer Impact Diamond Studs Combo Case Cover for Nokia Lumia 928 | ... Page 2 of 3 Case 0:13-cv-61559-RSR Document 1-5 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/19/2013 Page 3 of 4
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PURPLE BLK DUAL LAYER IMPACT DIAMOND STUDS COMBO CASE COVER FOR NOKIA LUMIA 928
Quick Overview
Select Your Device Below ACER AMAZON APPLE ASUS BLACKBERRY GOOGLE HP HTC HUAWEI KYOCERA LG MOTOROLA NOKIA PANTECH SAMSUNG SANYO SONY SONY ERICSSON ZTE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The Triple Impact case offers slick looking protection for your phone. The case features 2 layers of protection. The main part of the case is made out of silicone gel that covers the entire phone. The 2nd layer is a hard plastic/TPU hybrid shell that covers the back and sides of the silicone gel as shown in the pictures. The case also features diamond studs to give it a unique look. Your phone remains fully functional while in the case with access to all the phones features. If you need heavy duty protection look no further, protect your device with a Triple Impact case. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MADE FOR MATERIAL
Give your new phone the protection it deserves with this new heavy duty case! This case protects against scratches and scuffs, and allows you to add some style to your phone while still having total access to all buttons and controls.
SHIPPING POLICY CASE OLOGY is an U.S. online retailer providing premium products to customers all over the world! Most orders are to be shipped within 1-3 business day after payment is completed, unless for items on back order. In case of back order, seller will contact buyer as soon as possible to update the next shipping schedule or advise buyer for other color/style/model which is in stock. We reserve the right to refund any backorders. All order will be ship to confirmed Paypal address, no exception. In order to provide quick turn around in shipment, we do not accept change address under any circumstances, please update your Paypal address before submitting the payment. For International Shipment: Seller reserved the right not to sell certain country with high risk of unable to deliver/custom issue. Buyer's discretion if item shipped to be wrong, defective. We will do our best to provide you with best eBay service, however once item left our warehouse we are no longer in control of package's destiny. Please be selective on your designated currier. USPS Express are recommended. USPS First Class / International / Priority only have custom number, not tracking number. RETURN POLICY Case Ology offer a 14-day return plicy from the date of shipment receiving by buyers. If you are over the 14-day return period, we will do our best to help you find what you are looking for. The amount (minus Shipping/Handling) will be funded back to you the same method you made the payment. For damaged or defective items we will happily exchange it for you If you are not satisfied, please let us know before leaving feedback! We want you to be 100% satisfied with your order. When you received your order, please take a moment to leave us positive feedback and 5 star rating on eBay to us is appreciated, vital and very valuable to the continued success of our business.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PURPLE-BLK-DUAL-LAYER-IMPACT-DIAMOND-STUDS-... 7/19/2013
Purple Blk Dual Layer Impact Diamond Studs Combo Case Cover for Nokia Lumia 928 | ... Page 3 of 3 Case 0:13-cv-61559-RSR Document 1-5 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/19/2013 Page 4 of 4
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EXHIBIT D
Pink Trim Triple Impact Hard Case For APPLE iPhone 5 - Shop By Device Page 1 of 1 Case 0:13-cv-61559-RSR Document 1-6 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/19/2013 Page 2 of 2
Home | Shop By Device | Pink Trim Triple Impact Hard Case For APPLE iPhone 5 MY CART
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Give your new phone the protection it deserves with this new heavy duty case! This case protects against scratches and scuffs, and allows you to add some style to your phone while still having total access to all buttons and controls. Double click on above image to view full picture
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The Triple Impact case offers slick looking protection for your phone. The case features 2 layers of protection. The main part of the case is made out of silicone gel that covers the entire phone. The 2nd layer is a hard plastic shell that covers the back and sides of the silicone gel as shown in the pictures. Your phone remains fully functional while in the case with access to all the phones features. If you need heavy duty protection look no further, protect your device with a Triple Impact case. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Materials Made For
http://www.case-ology.com/shop-by-device/pink-trim-triple-impact-hard-case-for-apple-iph... 7/9/2013
EXHIBIT E