This document is a complaint filed by LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc. against Alex and Ani, LLC alleging various causes of action related to intellectual property infringement and unfair competition. Specifically, it alleges that Alex and Ani sent cease and desist letters to Kohl's department stores claiming LA Gem's expandable bangle design infringed Alex and Ani's design patent and trade dress rights. It further alleges that Alex and Ani falsely advertises that its expandable bangle design is covered by a utility patent and that it engages in other misleading practices. LA Gem seeks declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity and asserts claims of false advertising, unfair competition, and related causes of action
This document is a complaint filed by LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc. against Alex and Ani, LLC alleging various causes of action related to intellectual property infringement and unfair competition. Specifically, it alleges that Alex and Ani sent cease and desist letters to Kohl's department stores claiming LA Gem's expandable bangle design infringed Alex and Ani's design patent and trade dress rights. It further alleges that Alex and Ani falsely advertises that its expandable bangle design is covered by a utility patent and that it engages in other misleading practices. LA Gem seeks declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity and asserts claims of false advertising, unfair competition, and related causes of action
This document is a complaint filed by LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc. against Alex and Ani, LLC alleging various causes of action related to intellectual property infringement and unfair competition. Specifically, it alleges that Alex and Ani sent cease and desist letters to Kohl's department stores claiming LA Gem's expandable bangle design infringed Alex and Ani's design patent and trade dress rights. It further alleges that Alex and Ani falsely advertises that its expandable bangle design is covered by a utility patent and that it engages in other misleading practices. LA Gem seeks declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity and asserts claims of false advertising, unfair competition, and related causes of action
This document is a complaint filed by LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc. against Alex and Ani, LLC alleging various causes of action related to intellectual property infringement and unfair competition. Specifically, it alleges that Alex and Ani sent cease and desist letters to Kohl's department stores claiming LA Gem's expandable bangle design infringed Alex and Ani's design patent and trade dress rights. It further alleges that Alex and Ani falsely advertises that its expandable bangle design is covered by a utility patent and that it engages in other misleading practices. LA Gem seeks declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity and asserts claims of false advertising, unfair competition, and related causes of action
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The document appears to be a complaint filed in federal court alleging various claims related to intellectual property infringement and unfair competition between two jewelry companies.
The subject matter of the lawsuit appears to be claims of trademark infringement, false advertising, patent invalidity, trade dress infringement, and unfair competition under California law between the plaintiff LA Gem & Jewelry Design and the defendant Alex and Ani, LLC regarding their jewelry products and designs.
The plaintiff is LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc., a California corporation. The defendant is Alex and Ani, LLC, a Rhode Island limited liability company.
1 Milord A.
Keshishian, SBN 197835
rnilord(a),milordlaw .com 2 Arrnen 'Manasserian, SBN 288199 arrnen(a),milordlaw.corn 3 MILORD & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3850 4 Los California 90067 Tel: (3 IU) 2L6-7878
1 r-....- j 5 Fax: (31 0) 226-7879
for Plaintiff
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17 "' 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 LA GEM & JEWELRY DESIGN, INC. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA LA GEM & JEWELRY DESIGN, c M43-.: 3 7 7 lt?- INC., a California Corporation dba LA ) ROCKS, ) COMPLAINT FOR: Plaintiff, vs. ) ) ) ) ) ) 1. Lanham Act 43(a) Unfair Competition and False Advertising 2. False Patent Marking 35 U.S.C 292 ) 3. Declaration of Non-Infringement, ALEX AND ANI, LLC, a Rhode Island) Invalidity, and Unenforceability of limited liability company, o.f'lc). OoES ) Design Patent 1-1!) I l'f\c\v-s'\le, ) 4. Declaration of Trade Dress Non- Defendant. ) ) ) 5. ) ) ) Infringement, Invalidity, and Unenforceability Unfair Competition and False Advertising Under California Law ) JURY TRIAL DEMANDED ! .. J -1- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand 1 2 3 4 5
Plaintiff LA Gem & Jewelry Design, Inc. ("LA Gem") by and through its undersigned attorneys, sues Alex and Ani, LLC ("Alex"), and alleges: THE PARTIES 1. Plaintiff LA GEM is a California corporation having a place of business in 6 Los Angeles, California. LA GEM also conducts business under its LA ROCKS service 7 mark. 8 2. Upon information and belief, Defendant Alex is a Rhode Island limited 9 liability company. Alex conducts business and sells merchandise across the country, 1 O including California and this District. Indeed, Alex boasts on its website 11 <www.alexandani.com/blog/alex-and-ani-conquered-los-angeles/> that "Alex And Ani 12 Conquered Los Angeles!" at its "Bangle Bar Party" sales and marketing event in Los 13 Angeles, California. Further, Alex operates an e-commerce website located at ro 14 <www .alexandani.com>, which distributes products throughout the United States,
15 including California and this District. oll ;JE-;;e 16 gu.s 17 JURISDICTION AND VENUE 18 3. The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to 19 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338(a), 35 U.S.C. 292, the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125 and 20 1121 et seq., and pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 220l(a) and 2202. The Court also has 21 supplemental jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1367(a). 22 4. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant Alex because, by 2 3 engaging in at least the conduct itemized above, it has purposely directed its activities to 2 4 California and this District and purposely availed itself of the benefits and protections of 25 the laws of California, including this District. Further, Alex's contacts with the State of 2 6 California and this District are significant and pervasive, including hosting marketing and 2 7 sales events in Los Angeles, and having sales representatives, dealers, and distributors 2 8 located in California and this District, and selling products directly to consumers in -2- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 0 13 2;;l@. ufa.>t"'- 1-t.l :t;::; \0 14
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California and this District through its e-commerce website. 5. Venue is proper in this judicial distr.ict pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 139l(b) and (c), and 1400(b) because Defendants conduct business in this District, reside in this District, and/or a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred in this District. FACTS COMMON TO ALL COUNTS 6. LA GEM is a designer and creator of jewelry whose jewelry pieces are sold by numerous national retailers. 7. In or about 2006, LA GEM independently created .an expandable bangle jewelry based on public domain works, including designs from the Victorian era ("LA Gem Bangle"). The LA Gem Bangle is soid in packaging bearing the "Love This Life" trademark, which mark is also displayed on at least one charm. The following is an example of one LA Gem Bangle: 8. Although the bangle's functional portion is repeated in the LA Gem Bangles, LA GEM has numerous pendants moveably mounted on the bangle. -3- ' COMPLAINT Jury Demand
1 9. LA GEM has sold the LA Gem Pendant to its customer Kohl's Department 2 Stores, Inc. ("Kohl's"), a national retailer. 3 10. On May 15, 2013, Alex, through its counsel, sent a letter to Kohl's, 4 demanding "Kohl's immediately cease[] and desist[] from any further importation, sale, 5 or offer for sale of the [LA Gem Bangles] and provide[] the identity of the 6 manufacturer(s) of the [LA Gem Bangles]. [Alex] also require[d] an accounting of all 7 sales of the [LA Gem Bangles]." The correspondence claims that Kohl's sales of the LA 8 Gem Bangles "without authorization or license" have violated Alex's intellectual 9 property rights in U.S. Patent No. D498,167 (the '"167 Design Patent"), a copy ofwhich 10 is attached hereto as EXHIBIT 1. Alex further claimed that Kohl's sales of LA Gem 11 Bangles have violated its trade dress intellectual property rights and constitute unfair 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 competition, instructing Kohl's to not spoliate evidence, which is only necessary for imminent litigation purposes. A true and correct copy of said correspondence is attached hereto as EXHIBIT 2. 11. On May 24, 2013, Alex, through its counsel, sent a second letter to Kohl's threatening to "institut[e] a lawsuit" if Kohl's failed to respond to Alex's unfounded infringement demands. A true and correct copy of said correspondence is attached as Exhibit 3. 12. On May 24, 2013, Kohl's demanded, based on its vendor agreement, that LA GEM defend and indemnify Kohl's against Alex's allegations of patent and trade dress infringement, and unfair competition. On May 28, 2013, Kohl's in-house senior counsel emailed Alex's counsel identifying LA GEM as the vendor of the wrongly accused products and informing him of LA GEM's defense and indemnification obligation. 2 5 13. Alex has filed numerous patent and trade dress infringement lawsuits against 2 6 third-parties -based on the same purported patent and trade dress rights asserted against 2 7 Kohl's and LA GEM - for selling similar expandable bangles, even though its patent is 2 8 invalid based on prior art in the public domain. -4- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
14. Accordingly, Alex's threats of patent and trade dress infringement have created an actual, substantial and justiciable case or controversy between LA GEM its retailer Kohl's..,.. and Alex concerning the right of LA GEM to manufacture and sell the LA Gem Bangles to Kohl's and Kohl's ability to sell the LA Gem Bangles to the public. Furthermore, to the extent, if any, that apprehension of suit remains relevant to considerations of jurisdiction for declaratory judgment, LA GEM has a reasonable apprehension of imminent suit by Alex. 15. On information and belief, in addition to making unfounded infringement claims, Alex has falsely advertised, in interstate commerce, the scope of its invalid design patent and misled the public into believing that it owns a utility patent that protects the functional features of its bangle. Alex falsely advertises and asserts, in interstate commerce, that "[ u ]tilizing an innovative patented and completely original technology, the expandable concept replaces traditional clasps with a sliding mechanism, making each piece adjustable. This signature expandable feature is available in expandable wire bracelets and rings, expandable chain necklaces and endless hoop earrings." A true and correct copy of at least one page of Alex's website bearing the false statement is attached hereto as EXHIBIT 4. 16. On information and belief, Alex's website fails to provide the patent number or numbers covering the purported "innovative patented and completely original technology" or disclose to the public and competitors, such as LA GEM and its customers and potential customers, that it only holds a design patent which cannot protec "the expandable concept [that] replaces traditional clasps with a sliding mechanism, making each piece adjustable." 17. Alex is fully aware of its false statements of patent scope and further misleads recipients of its unfounded cease and desist letters by sheepishly omitting a copy of the design patent, which is invalid and unenforceable. 18. As a result of Defendants' acts and false statements as alleged herein, LA GEM has and continues to suffer substantial injury and damage, and has lost gains, -5- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
I profits and/or advantages, which it would otherwise have obtained, but for Defendants' acts. COUNT I Lanham Act 43(a) False Advertising and Unfair Competition 19. LA GEM hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 to 18 of the complaint as if fully set forth herein. 20. On November 9, 2004, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office ("USPTO") issued the '167 Design Patent for only the aesthetic design of a bangle, naming Carolyn Rafaelian Ferlise as inventor. On information and belief, the' 167 Design Patent has bee assigned to Alex. 21. LA GEM is Alex's competitor in the jewelry design, manufacture, distribution, and sales market. 22. Upon information and belief, Alex, directly and indirectly through its agents, has used false and misleading representations of fact in connection with the commercial advertising and promotion of its bangle product, which is sold in interstate commerce. 23. Alex falsely advertises, at least on its website, the' 167 Design Patent covers functional and mechanical claims that are only covered by utility patents and fails to disclose anywhere on its website either the patent number or that it holds only a design patent on the purported invention. 24. Only a single claim is permissible in a design patent and Alex is fully aware that the drawings of the '167 Design Patent, which form the single claim, cannot and do not extend to or claim an expandable function as a matter of law. 25. Despite being sued in the past by third-parties and made aware of the false 2 5 patent scope statements on at least its website, Alex has continued to make the false 26 statements to thwart competition. 27 26. These actions of Alex constitute false advertising in violation of Section 28 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a). -6- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand
1 27. By reason of the foregoing, Alex has caused and is causing irreparable harm 2 to LA GEM. By falsely misleading the public and the industry as to the scope of its 3 patent protection, Alex is attempting to unlawfully coerce customers in the jewelry 4 business to buy the public domain bangles exclusively from Alex and at inflated prices. 5 28. As a result of Alex's false advertising, LA GEM has suffered, and will 6 continue to suffer, damage and injury to its business, with a resulting serious loss in 7 revenue and profits. 8 29. LA GEM has no adequate remedy at law. 9 10 11 COUNT II False Patent Marking in Violation of 35 U.S.C. 292 12 30. LA GEM hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 13 to 29 of the complaint as if fully set forth herein.
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15 Alex has used the word "patent" and the like in association with the sale and "ll..O--. advertising of its products representing that the bangle and all of its uses are covered by a <>(! i:' ""S': 16 0 !i 0 ...lU...l utility patent for the purposes of deceiving the public, including customers and retailers i violation of35 U.S.C. 292.
17 18 32. As a result of the foregoing, Alex's actions have caused, and are continuing 19 to cause, irreparable harm to LA GEM. 20 33. As a result of Alex's actions, LA GEM has suffered, and will continue to 21 suffer, damage and injury to its business, with a resulting loss of revenue and profits. 2 2 34. LA GEM has no adequate remedy at law. 23 24 COUNTIII 25 Declaration ofNoninfringement, Invalidity and Unenforceability 26 Of the '167 Design Patent 27 35. LA GEM hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 28 to 34 of the complaint as if fully set forth herein. -7- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand "' : 2 <".\ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18
36. LA GEM seeks a declaratory judgment that the '167 Design Patent is invalid, not infringed and unenforceable for one or more of the following reasons: a. the '167 Design Patent is invalid for failure to comply with the requirements of the patent laws of the United States, including, but not limited to, 35 U.S.C. 102, 103 and 112; b. LA GEM has not infringed, induced infringement of or contributorily infringed the '167 Design Patent, and is not liable for infringement; c. The '167 Design Patent is unenforceable due to patent misuse; and d. Alex is barred from obtaining any relief based on the '167 Design Patent because of laches, estoppel, and unclean hands. COUNT IV Declaration Of Non-Infringement, Invalidity, and Unenforceability Of Alleged Trade Dress 37. LA GEM hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 to 36 of the complaint as if fully set forth herein. 38. On information and belief, prior to the date of Defendants' purported creation, third parties developed and first introduced the expandable bangle product, 19 which designs are in the public domain. 2 O 3 9. On information and belief, the alleged trade dress is used on products 21 offered for sale and sold, and that have long been offered for sale and sold, by others in the jewelry design industry. 23 40. On information and belief, the alleged trade dress does not include 2 4 protectable trade dress, it is not inherently distinctive, it is functional, and has not 2 5 acquired secondary meaning including, inter alia, Alex engaged in patent misuse to 2 6 exclude competition. 2 7 41. LA GEM does not infringe, and has not infringed, any protectable trade 2 8 dress rights of Alex in the alleged trade dress, and has not engaged in any unfair -8- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand
1 competition or false designation of origin. 2 42. Alex's alleged trade dress does not constitute a valid and protectable 3 trademark because the ornamental and decorative product features lack distinctiveness 4 and does not serve as a source identifier for Alex. 5 43. Alex is barred by the doctrines of waiver, laches, unclean hands, and/or 6 estoppel from asserting the alleged trade dress against LA GEM. 7 44. LA GEM respectfully submits that it is entitled to a declaration from this 8 Court that LA GEM has not infringed any protectable trade dress right by selling the LA 9 Gem Bangle; Alex has no rights in the alleged trade dress; Alex is barred from asserting 1 0 any claim for infringement of the alleged trade dress against LA GEM; and LA GEM has 11 not engaged in unfair competition or false designation of origin, with respect to the 12 alleged trade dress. ?;:: 13 45. LA GEM has no adequate remedy at law. ... :;: 14 tJtii<oo
15
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-"' Unfair Competition And False Advertising 17 (Cal. Bus. And Prof. Code Sec. 17200 and 17500 et. seq.) 18 46. LA GEM hereby realleges and incorporates the allegations in paragraphs 1 19 to 36 of the complaint as if fully set forth herein. 20 47. Alex is LA GEM's competitor in the jewelry market. Alex's above 21 misconduct misleads, confuses or deceives the public. Accordingly, Defendants are in 22 violation of the California Unfair Business Practices Act, codified under Cal. Bus. And 23 Prof. Code Sec .. 17200 and 17500 et. seq. 24 48. Unless Alex's forgoing actions are enjoined, LA GEM will continue to, and 2 5 does continue to suffer injury and damage. 26 49. LA GEM has no adequate remedy at law. 27 /// 28 /// -9- COMPLAINT Jury Demand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
PRAYER WHEREFORE, Plaintiff LA GEM prays for judgment against Defendants as follows: A. For an award of damages as provided by law as determined at trial, together with prejudgment interest; B. For a declaration from this Court that the '167 Design Patent is invalid and unenforceable against LA GEM; C. For a declaration from this Court that LA GEM may continue to manufacture and sell its LA Gem Bangle, or any other jewelry incorporating the public domain design; D. For a declaration from this Court that LA GEM has not infringed, contributorily infringed or induced infringement of the only claim of the '167 Design Patent; E. A permanent injunction enjoining Alex, its officers, agents, servants, employees and all persons in active concert or participation with them, from any use of any advertisement, promotion or claim that literally or implicitly misleads the trade or public with regard to the scope of coverage of the '167 Design Patent; F. A permanent injunction enjoining Alex, its officers, agents, servants, employees and all persons in active concert or participation with them, from any further misuse of the' 167 Design Patent; G. A determination that this case is exceptional and awarding LA GEM its costs and reasonable attorneys fees incurred in this action under 35 U.S.C. 285; H. For a declaration from this Court that the alleged trade dress is invalid, unenforceable, generic, descriptive, functional, ornamental and/or decorative, and that Alex's alleged trade dress has not obtained secondary meaning, Alex was not the first to use the alleged trade dress, and Alex has not legally used the alleged trade dress exclusively for a period of five years; I. A declaration that LA GEM has not infringed Alex's purported trade dress -10- COMPLAINT Jury Demand 1 rights; 2 3 J. K.
A declaration that Alex has no protectable rights in the alleged trade dress; For an injunction preventing any further interference by Alex with LA 4 GEM, its customers, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers; 5 L. For costs of suit incurred, including, but not limited to reasonable attorneys' 6 fees; 7 M. That this Court grant such other and further relief that it deems just and 8 9 proper. 10 Dated: May 28, 2013 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Respectfully submitted, MILORD & A S S < j ~ TES, P.C. 4f!!-L - Milord A. Keshishian Armen Manasserian Attorneys for Plaintiff LA GEM & JEWELRY DESIGN, INC. -11- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand
0 1 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL 2 Plaintiff, through its attorneys of record, hereby demands trial by Jury. 3 4 Dated: May 28, 2013 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MILORD & ASSb, :C. Milord A. Keshishian Armen Manasserian Attorneys for Plaintiff LA GEM & JEWELRY DESIGN, INC. -12- COMPLAINT- Jury Demand . '
. . I 1 1 1 ~ 1 m11.fa1111 11111111111 USOOD498167S (12) United States Design Patent cw) Patent No.: US D498,167 S ** Nov. 9, 2004 Ferlise (45) Date of Patent: (54) EXPANDABLE WIRE BRACELET (76) Inventor: Carolyn Rafaelian Ferlise, 41 Highgate Rd., Cranston, RI (US) 02920 (**) Term: 14 Years (21) Appl. No.: 29/194,053 (22) Filed: Nov. 19, 2003 Related U.S. Application Data (62) Division of application No. 29/181,844, filed on May 16, 2003, now Pat. No. Des. 487,709. (51) LOC (7) CI ..................................................... 11-01 (52) U.S. CI ........................................................... D11!5 (58) Field of Search .......................... Dll/1-15, 18-20, (56) Dll/22-25, 93; 59/79.1, 79.3, 78, 83; 63/3-4, 9,21, 38 References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 428,339 A * 5/1890 Howard ... .. ...... .............. 63/11 D69,012 S * 12/1925 Dalin .......................... Dll/30 D247,102 S * 1/1978 Durante ... ........ ... ... ... .. .. Dll/5 5,247,814 A 9/1993 McDonald .................... 63/3.2 ,' D472,177 S 3/2003 McCullough-McPherson Dll/4 * cited by examiner Primary Examiner-Louis S. Zarfas Assistant Examiner-John Windmuller (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Linda M. Christine C. O'Day; Edwards & Angell, LLP (57) CLAIM Buckley; The ornamental design for an expandable wire bracelet, as shown and described. DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable wire bracelet, showing my new design; FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof; FIG. 3 is a bottom view thereof; FIG. 4 is a left side view thereof; FIG. 5 is a right side view thereof; FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof; and, FIG. 7 is a front view thereof. The subject matter depicted in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-7 is shown for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed design. 1 Claim, 7 Drawing Sheets -- -.... . I ' -.. . . '. I I Exhibit 1 - Page 13
U.S. Patent Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 1 of 7 ...... -... " .. _ ... - FIG. I ' ' US D498,167 S Exhibit 1 - Page 14 U.S. Patent ' ' ', ', , I Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 2 of 7 .. ', F/6.2
US D498,167 S ' ' . ' -. ' -. Exhibit 1 - Page 15 U.S. Patent ', . . ' , , . . . ' - "": . , ":. ..... ' . ' I Nov. 9, 2004 ' ' .. . Sheet 3 of 7 F/6.3
US D498,167 S ' , ' ' ' ' ' . --, : , ' , -. ;;' - ' , ' Exhibit 1 -Page 16 I .. U.S. Patent. Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 4 of 7 US D498,167 S \ I I I , - ~ -. . I I \ ' I I I I , ~ , ' I I I I I I I I \ I \ ' ' , . ~ , , , , I , I I I ' \ , ~ ' , , ~ ~ , ' ' . I . I I ' I ' ' ' ' , . , :: - ' , ' ' : I I I ' \ '-).;; , , , , ~ \ , , \ , . I I I I II I ,. ' ' , ~ - ~ ., ' I, ' lo I lo \ ' , , " ~ " " - . .. ' II I , I ' ., I ? , , .. ' I i II I' ' I . . I I .1 I, I . . ' . " ... _-.::/ FIG. Exhibit 1 - Page 17 l I U.S. Patent Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 5 of 7 US D498,167 S , ' ' ' I ' ' I I - ' - ' , \ I I I I - ' \ ' \ I \ I I I , I . ' , ' \ , .. : , - - - ' . I I ' I ' , , - , , - \ ' , \ ' I \ ' I I I ' I , , . , , , .. '' l I ' ...__ <.:t' . , ' ' ' ' ' I . I I I I It ,, ,_ : ; ~ I ,. ,, I II \ ,, \ I I " ., .; ~ ' I I II ' ' \ ,, \ ". ., ' I .. ), , ., I . .. ,. ~ - .. ,\ , , I \ ~ '-....,"".,_ ... " FIG. Exhibit 1 - Page 18 I 0 U.S. Patent Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 6 of 7 US D498,167 S FIG. 6 Exhibit 1- Page 19 \ I
U.S. Patent Nov. 9, 2004 Sheet 7 of 7 US D498,167 S FIG.l Exhibit l - Page 20 I . .
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GF GARBARt:\IIITZGERALD P.C. 420 Lexington Avenue Suite 2743 New York, New York 10170 Phone: 212.300.5358 Fax: 888.265.7054 www.garbarinilaw.com CEASE AND DESIST May 15,2013 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL and EMAIL to <[email protected]> Richard D. Schepp Sr. EVP & General Counsel Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. N56 W17000 Ridgewood Drive Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 Mr. Schepp: Re: Alex and Ani- US. Pat. No. D498, 167 Kohl's Sale of Expandable Wire Bracelet Our firm represents Alex and Ani, LLC. Alex and Ani creates, manufactures and distributes an iconic bangle which is the subject of United States Letters Patent Nos. D498, 167 entitled "Expandable Wire Bracelet" (the'" 167 Patent"). Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. ("Kohl's" or "You") has imported, manufactured, sold, and/or offered for sale at least eleven styles of bangle bracelet (the "Accused Bangles") without authorization or license. See Attachment A. The sale by Kohl's of the Accused Bangles raises issues of confusion in the marketplace over the origination of the Accused Bangles and has harmed Alex and Ani's intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to, its trade dress under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act. Moreover, Kohl's trading on Alex and Ani's goodwill is certainly an adequate basis for an unfair competition claim. Our intention is to resolve this matter as amicably as possible, provided Kohl's immediately ceases and desists from any further importation, sale, or offer for sale of the Accused Bangles and provides the identity of the manufacturer(s) of the Accused Bangles. We also require an accounting of all sales of the Accused Bangles. cun \ BO'-.J\\1 CLR L\\ll \ + ! I< iliT i l l , ~ ( iOOD FIGHT Exhibit 2- Page 21 I Garbarini Fi!zGerald P.C . Page2 I In the meantime, You must retain, maintain, and preserve all relevant documents and things including electronically stored information (such as e-mail) in their original condition, relevant to: The Accused Bangles. Any and all similar bangle(s). Alex and Ani, LLC. All sales of the Accused Bangles. If You are unwilling, or unable, to comply with the foregoing, please inform us immediately so we may take appropriate measures. Failure to preserve may constitute spoliation of evidence. I can be reached at 212.300.5358, should you wish to discuss this matter. GARBARINI FITZGERALD P.C. ' / By:--'-tJ+I---=-/ _ Richard M. Garbarini Attch. Exhibit 2 - Page 22
Attachment A- ACCUSED BANGLES Kohl's Ban les Silver Plate & Stainless Steel Lab-Created Blue Goldstone Bead & Star Charm Bangle Bracelet SKU 93902058 Silver Plate & Stainless Steel Green A vent urine Bead & Dancer Charm Bangle Bracelet SKU 93902073 Silver Plate & Stainless Steel Amethyst Bead & Cross Charm Bangle Bracelet SKU 93902121
Silver Plate & Stainless Steel Rose Quartz Bead & Music Note Chann Bangle Bracelet SKU tJ3902039 Silver Plate & Stainless Steel Lab-Created Turquoise Bead & Compass Chann Bangle Bracelet SKU 93901967 Re resentative Alex and Ani Ban le 4 I Exhibit 2 - Page 26 I . . I . . I I GF GARBARINI FITZGERALD P.C. VIA CERTIFIED MAIL and 420 Lexington Avenue Suite 2743 New York, New York 10170 Phone: 212.300.5358 Fax: 888.265.7054 www.garbarinilaw.com May 24, 2013 EMAIL to <[email protected]> Richard D. Schepp. Sr. EVP & General Counsel Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. N56 Wl7000 Ridgewood Drive Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 Mr. Schepp: Re: Alex and Ani- US. Pat. No. D498, 167 Kohl's Sale of Expandable Wire Bracelet As you know, our finn represents Alex and Ani, LLC. I write in furtherance of my correspondence dated May 15, 2013 and sent by certified mail, which was received by Kohl'son May 18, 2013. We raised the issue of Kohl's potential misappropriation of Alex and Ani's intellectual property, including, but not limited to, its trade dress under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act. See correspondence attached as Attachment I. We genuinely wish to discuss this matter to reach an amicable solution before instituting a lawsuit. Your failure to respond to our good faith efforts, however, renders this impossible. Please give me a call at 212.300.5358 by June 3, 2013. Should we not hear from you by that date, we will be forced to file suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. GARBARINI FITZGERALD P.C. By:---=-=--:Lu::__:_ _ff--=. - - - ' - - . __ Richard M. Garbarini En cis. CERT A BONUM CERT AMFN + FfGHT THE GOOD FIGHT Exhibit 3 - Page 27 . .
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STYLE FILE MOTIVATION . looking for something? i NEWSWORTHY (HnP://WWW.ALEXANDANI ... -----__j (HnP://WWW.ALEXANDANI.COIIA,II,8/CATE80R'(ItlliiiiJ-:fMJXANDANI.-tiiLQ.YCATE80R'(HIJP.t ..... EXANDANI.COM/IL08/CATE80RY/HOROICOPE/) lbttpl/www.alexandani com/blogla!ex-and-ani-fags/) style File (http://www.alexandani.com/blog/category/slyh>-llle/) -.:h 26,2013 Alex And Ani FAQs We have the best fans in the world. Some wear our jewelry because of how it makes them feel, some because of how it looks and others because of how it sounds. No matter why you wear your Alex and Ani, there are a few things that set us apart: Alex and Ani jewelry is handmade in Rhode Island. Alex and Ani jewelry is eco-friendly and made in America from recycled materials. Alex and Ani jewelry is full of(+) positive energy. Alex and Ani jewelry comes with three special tags so that you'll know you're wearing the real thing. Each one Is stamped with "Made in America With Love," the Alex and Ani logo and our offical patent number. Alex and Ani jewelry is expandable and sizes down to approximately 2 inches in diameter and up to approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. Utilizing an innovative patented and completely original technology, the expandable cancept replaces traditional clasps with a sliding mechanism, making each piece adjustable. This signature expandable feature Is available In expandable wire bracelets and rings, expandable chain necklaces and endless hoop earrings. This completely original design allows everyone to have a piece of jewelry customized for a perfect frt. Available in precious metals or our signature Russian Gold and Russian Silver finishes and adorned with sacred symbols and stones, the expandable collection Is timeless. classic, and collectible. j!ALEXANDANI IHTTP:IITWITTER COMIALEXANQANU lbttp111witter comlalexandanil (hturlltwitter comla/exandanj)@nerdeli (htt;u 1/www twitter com!nerclelil PS -welcome to the #charmedqi7JJS (htt;u /!search twitter com/search? q=%23charmeda17JJS) club! <!CAROLYN !HTTPI/TWITTER COM/CAROLYN! 0 Do life with O#love (http-(/search twitter com/search? q=%23/ove! in your heart with no fear, because it will to)( you everywhere you want to go. Honored @UR!News Chtt;u-!Jwww twitter com!URINews! htt;u'(/t co!CuoTDBuDoM (http 1ft co!CuoTDHuJ2uMI f OFF THE WALL Is there a possibilitu tbat the Nfl. will be getting brocelets too? Someone told me ues but onhl at the teams stadium fornoui but no luckactuq!hl finding QIJJ/. fhttpl!www facebook com/alexandaniusal BE A FAN (HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ALEXANDANIUSA) 4 - Page 28 I SHARE THE LOVE () LEARN MORE The Company (Http:I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/The- Company/? SIO:VbuBu3ordjn3tl95thkiBnugu4) I MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE" NEED HELP? STAY IN TOUCH Retail Locations Facebook You Tube (Http:/ /Www.Aiexanda ni Com/? (Https:/ SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu41ocations) fCHARMEDARMS Show us your personal collection! SHARE YOURS (HTTP://INSTAGRAM.COM/ ALEXANDANI) ARCHIVES 2013 !httD:/!wwyy.alexandani.com/blog/2013/050 Alllil !httD-1/www a!exandanj com/b!og/2013/04D Mnb. lhtto/twww a!exandani coinlb!og/2013/03D
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!hlto'/lwww alexandanj com/blog/2013/0lD . 2012 2011- -2010- . 2009- NEVER MISS A THING! Sign up to receive exclusive offers and updates. \ In The Press (Http://Www.Aiexandani.Comlln-The- (Http:I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/Faqs/? Press/?SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thk18nugu4) SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) Affinity Division (Http://Www Aiexandani.Coml Affinity/? SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) Careers (Http:I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/Careersl? SiD=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) Product Care (Http:I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/Product- Care/? SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3tl95thk18nugu4) Shipping & Returns (Http://Www.Aiexandani.Com/Shippingw And-Returns/? Affiliate Program SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thk18nugu4) (Http://Www.Aiexandani.Com/ Affiliate/? SiD=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thk18nugu4) Contact Us Bi Hit :I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/Biogl) (Http:I/Www.Aiexandani.Com/Contact- og ( p Us/?SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) Privacy Policy (Http://Www.AiexandanJ.Com/Privacy- Gift Cards Palicyi?SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) (Http://Www.Aiexandani.Com/Virtuai- Gift-Card.Htmlf? Terms & Conditions SID=Vbu8u3ord]n3ti95thkl8nugu4) (Http:/ /Www.Aiexandani.Com/Terms-And- Condltions/? SID=Vbu8u3ordjn3ti95thkl8nugu4) e 2013 Alex And Ani Twitter Tumbir I (Https:I/Twitter.Coml Pinterest Google+ (Http:/ I Pinterest.Coml """....,iiiiLjs.Goo lnstagram (Http:/ llnstagram.Com/ . ' FIND A STORE (HTTP://WWW .ALEXANiallii!!B'LOCA TION (Http://Www.Bbb.Org!Bostc Reviews/ Jewelers- Retail/ Alex- And-Ani-Lie- ln-Cranston- Ri- 1189311 #Bbbonllneclick) Made With Positive Energy 0 Exhibit 4 - Page 30 UNITED S.ES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OfA.LIFORNIA CIVIL COVER W I. (a) PLAINTIFFS ( Check box if you are representing yourself D ) DEFENDANTS ( Check box If you are representing yourself D ) LA GEM & JEWELRY DESIGN, INC., a California Corporation, dba LA ROCKS (b) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing yourself, provide same.) Milord A. Keshishian, SBN 197B35, [email protected], Tel: (310) 226-7B78 MILORD & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3850 Los Angeles, California 90067 II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in one box only.) a ALEX AND ANI, LLC, a Rhode Island limited liability company (b) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing yourself, provide same.) Ill. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES-For Diversity Cases Only (Place an X in one box for plaintiff and one for defendant) 0 1. U.S. Government Plaintiff 1&13. Federal Question (U.S. PTF DEF PTF DEF Citizen ofThls State 0 1 0 1 Incorporated or Principal Place D 4 D 4 of Business In this State D 2. U.S. Government Defendant Government Not a Party) 0 4. Diversity (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item Ill) IV. ORIGIN (Place an X in one box only.) IV1 1. Original D 2. Removed from D 3. Remanded from Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Citizen of Another State Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Country D D 4. Reinstated or Reopened D 2 02 Incorporated and Principal Place of Business In Another State D 3 D 3 Foreign Nation 5. Transferred from Another 6.Multl- District (Specify) D District Litigation V. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: JURY DEMAND: 1&1 Yes 0 No (Check "Yes" only if demanded in complaint.) D 5 D 5 D 6 D 6 CLASS ACTION under F.R.Cv.P. 23: 0 Yes 1&1 No 1&1 MONEY DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT:$ >_?S..;..,O_O_o._oo ___ _ VI. CAUSE OF ACTION (Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and write a brief statement of cause. Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity.) Lanham Act 43(a) Unfair Competition and False Advertising; False Patent Marking; Declaration of Non-Infringement/Invalidity and Unenforceablility of Design Patent; Declaration ofTrade Dress Non-Infringement, Invalidity, and Unenforceability; Unfair Competition and False Advertising Under California Law. VII. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an X in one box only). OTHER STATUTES CONTRACT REAL 'CONT. IMMIGRATION PRISONER PETITIONS PROPERTY RIGHTS D 375 False Claims Act D 110 Insurance D 240 Torts to Land D 462 Naturalization Habeas Corpus: 0 820 Copyrights D 245 Tort Product Application D 463 Alien Detainee D 400 State D 120Marlne Liability 465 Other 0 51 0 Motions to Vacate [&I 830 Patent Reapportionment D D 130 Miller Act 290 Ail Other Real Immigration Actions Sentence J 840 Trademark D 410 Antitrust D Property TORTS 0 530 General SOCIAL SECURITY 0 430 Banks and Banking D 140 Negotiable TORTS D 535 Death Penalty D 861 HIA (139Sff) Instrument D 4SO Commerce/ICC 1 SO Recovery of PERSONAL INJURY D 370 Other Fraud Other: D 862 Black Lung (923) Rates/Etc. D Overpayment & D 310Airplane D 540 Mandamus/Other 0 460 Deportation Enforcement of 315 Airplane 0 371 Truth in Lending D 550 Civil Rights D 863 DIWC/DIWW (405 (g)) Judgment D O 470 Racketeer lnflu- Product Liability D 380 Other Personal D 555 Prison Condition D 864 SSID Title XVI enced & Corrupt Org. D 151 Medicare Act D 320 Assault, Libel & Property Damage Slander 560 Civil Detainee D 865 RSI (405 (g)) 0 480 Consumer Credit 1 52 Recovery of 330 Fed. Employers' D 385 Property Damage D Conditions of D Defaulted Student D Product Liability . Confinement FEDERAL TAX SUITS D 490 Cable/Sat TV Loan (Excl. Vet.) Liability BANKRUPTCY FORFEITURE/PENAL TV 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or D 850 Securities/Com- D 340Marine D 422 Appeal 28 625 Drug Related D Defendant) modlties/Exchange 1 53 Recovery of D 345 Marine Product usc 158 D Seizure of 21 D Overpayment of Liability 423 Withdrawal 28 D 871 IRS-Third Party 26 USC 890 Other Statutory Vet. Benefits D USC881 7609 D Actions D 350 Motor Vehicle usc 157 D 160 Stockholders' 355 Motor Vehicle CIVIL RIGHTS 0 6900ther D 891 Agricultural Acts Suits D D 440 Other Civil Rights Product Liability D 893 Environmental 0 1900ther 360 Other Personal D LABOR Matters Contract D Injury 441 Voting 0 710 Fair Labor Standards D 895 Freedom of Info. D 195 Contract 362 Personal injury- D 442 Employment Act Act Product Liability D Med Malpratice 0 720 Labor/Mgmt. 0 896 Arbitration lo_ 196 Franchise 365 Personal injury- D 443 Housing/ Relations D Product Liability Accomodations D 740 Railway Labor Act 899 Admin. Procedures REAL PROPERTY 367 Health Care/ 445 American with D Act/Review of Appeal of 210 Land Pharmaceutical D Disabilities- D 751 Family and Medical Agency Decision D Condemnation D Personal injury Employment Leave Act D 220 Foreclosure Product Liability D 446 American with D 790 Other Labor D 950 Constitutionality of 368 Asbestos Disabilities-Other Litigation State Statutes D 230 Rent Lease & D Personallnjury 0 448 Education D 791 Employee Ret. Inc. Ejectment Prntir:r.l i:oihllltv - Security Act FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Case Number:
- 'IJ - - AFTER COMPLETING PAGE 1 OF FORM CV-71, COMPLETE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON PAGE 2. CV-71 (02/13) CIVIL COVER SHEET Page 1 of2 I UNITED&TES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DI.CT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL COVER SHEET VIII( a). IDENTICAL CASES: Has this action been previously filed in this court and dismissed, remanded or closed? ~ NO D YES If yes, list case number(s): VIII( b). RELATED CASES: Have any cases been previously filed in this court that are related to the present case? 1&1 NO DYES If yes, list case number(s): Civil cases are deemed related if a previously filed case and the present case: (Check all boxes that apply) D A. Arise from the same or closely related transactions, happenings, or events; or 0 B. Call for determination of the same or substantially related or similar questions of law and fact; or 0 C. For other reasons would entail substantial duplication of labor if ~ a r d by different judges; or 0 D. Involve the same patent, trademark or copyright. 'and one of the factors identified above in a, b or c also is present. IX. VENUE: (When completing the following information, use an additional sheet if necessary.) (a) List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named plaintiff resides. D Check here if the government, its agencies or employees is a named plaintiff. If this box is checked, go to item (b). County in this District:* Los Angeles County California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country_ (b) List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named defendant resides. D Check here if the government, its agencies or employees is a named defendant. If this box is checked, go to item (c). County in this District:* California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Countrv Rhode Island (c) list the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH claim arose. NOTE: In land condemnation cases, use the location of the tract of land involved. County in this District:* Los Angeles County California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Countrv "los Angeles, Orange, San Bemardmo, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, or San Lu1s Obispq Countes Note: In land condemnation cases, use the location of the tract of land involved Notice to Counsel/Parties: The CV-71 (JS-44) Civil Cover Sheet and the mformation contai d herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required pursuant to Local Rule 3-1 is not filed but is used by the Clerk ofthe Court for the purpose of statistics, venue and initiating the civil docket sheet. (For more detailed instructions, see separate instructions sheet). Key to Statistical codes relating to Social Security Cases: Nature of Suit Code Abbreviation Substantive Statement of Cause of Action 861 HIA 862 BL 863 DIWC 863 DIWW 864 SSID 865 RSI CV-71 (02/13) All claims for health insurance benefits (Medicare) under Title 18, Part A, of the Social Security Act, as amended. Also, include claims by hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc., for certification as providers of services under the program. (42 U.S.C. 1935FF(b)) All claims for "Black Lung" benefits under Title 4, Part B, of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. (30 U.5.C. 923) . All claims filed by insured workers for disability insurance benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended; plus all claims filed for child's insurance benefits based on disability. (42 U.S.C. 405 (g)) All claims filed for widows or widowers insurance benefits based on disability under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 U.S.C. 405 (g)) All claims for supplemental security income payments based upon disability filed under Title 16 of the Social Security Act, as amended. All claims for retirement (old age) and survivors benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 u.s.c. 405 (g)) CIVIL COVER SHEET Page 2 of2
A Treatise Upon the Law of Copyright in the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the Crown,
and in the United States of America
Containing a full Appendix of all Acts of Parliament
International Conventions, Orders in Council, Treasury
Minute and Acts of Congress now in Force.