throbber

`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 1 of 41
`
`
`
`Robert S. Murphy (AZ SB #013620)
`Law Offices of Robert S. Murphy, LLC
`1650 North First Avenue
`Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1124
`Bob@RMurphyLaw.com
`(602) 528-4728
`(866) 224-2188 – Fax
`
`Thomas W. Brooke (DC SB #430636) (Pro Hac Vice pending)
`Shardul S. Desai (DC SB #990299) (Pro Hac Vice pending)
`John C. Nix (TN SB #039268) (Pro Hac Vice pending)
`Holland & Knight LLP
`800 17th Street N.W., Suite 1100
`Washington, DC 20006
`Thomas.Brooke@HKLaw.com
`Shardul.Desai@HKLaw.com
`John.Nix@HKLaw.com
`(202) 469-5210
`(202) 955-5564 – Fax
`Attorneys for Plaintiff
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`DISTRICT OF ARIZONA
`
`Whaleco Inc.,
`
`Civil Case No.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`VERIFIED COMPLAINT
`
`vs.
`
`
`
`Jamya Arroyo; Soumen Halder, ABC
`Corporations 1-36; and John Does 1-36,
`
`Defendants.
`
`PLAINTIFF’S VERIFIED COMPLAINT
`
`Plaintiff Whaleco Inc. (“Whaleco” or “Plaintiff”), by its undersigned attorneys,
`
`alleges as follows, upon actual knowledge with respect to itself and its own acts, and upon
`
`information and belief as to all other matters. Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(b), the facts of this
`
`Complaint, as they pertain to Whaleco, are verified below.
`
`NATURE OF THE CASE
`
`1.
`
`This is an in rem action against the domain names listed in Exhibit 1, Jamya
`
`Arroyo, Soumen Halder, ABC Corporations 1-36, and John Does 1-36, for trademark
`
`counterfeiting, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, false designation of origin, and
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 2 of 41
`
`
`
`unfair competition under the Lanham Act; trademark dilution under Arizona Statute Section
`
`44-1448.01; and trademark infringement and unfair competition under Arizona common
`
`law.
`
`2. Whaleco brings this action because Jamya Arroyo, Soumen Halder, ABC
`
`Corporations 1-36, and John Does 1-36 (collectively “Defendants”) are (a) using the
`
`federally registered TEMU trademark, or variations thereof, to dupe or otherwise deceive
`
`people into believing Defendants’ domain names and resultant websites are associated with,
`
`endorsed by, or otherwise affiliated with Whaleco; (b) operating a redirect scheme whereby
`
`Defendants’ domain names redirect unsuspecting consumers to websites that display,
`
`without authorization, the federally registered TEMU trademark, or variations thereof;
`
`and/or (c) using the Domain Names as part of a phishing campaign that uses, without
`
`authorization, the TEMU Marks.1
`
`3.
`
`Defendants have registered the domain names listed in Exhibit 1 in bad faith,
`
`and are operating domain names and resultant websites that (a) directly utilize or display,
`
`without authorization, Plaintiff’s registered TEMU marks, or other marks confusingly
`
`similar thereto; (b) redirect consumers to websites that display, without authorization,
`
`Plaintiff’s registered TEMU marks; and/or (c) use the TEMU marks as part of a phishing
`
`campaign, all with the specific intent to trade off the goodwill associated with Plaintiff’s
`
`registered TEMU mark and to confuse consumers and fraudulently profit from Plaintiff’s
`
`trademark rights.
`
`4.
`
`Consequently, the domains included at Exhibit 1 should be immediately
`
`canceled, disabled and/or transferred to Whaleco to protect the public and the goodwill that
`
`Whaleco worked hard to successfully build in its marks and branding. Moreover, because
`
`Defendants’ associated and resultant websites are being used to perpetuate a fraud harmful
`
`
`
`1 Phishing is a fraudulent practice of sending some communication purporting to be from a
`reputable company in order to induce individuals to take some action that results in the
`individual being defrauded.
`
`
`
`2
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 3 of 41
`
`
`
`to consumers and irreparably damaging to Whaleco’s reputation and goodwill, they should
`
`also be immediately canceled and disabled.
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`5.
`
`Whaleco Inc. d/b/a Temu is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of
`
`business at 31 Saint James Ave., Suite 355, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-4101.
`
`6.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant Jamya Arroyo is a Massachusetts
`
`resident who registered the Internet domain name concorporarius.com on June 5, 2023,
`
`through the domain name registrar Namecheap and is targeting consumers nationwide.
`
`7.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant Soumen Halder is the registered
`
`owner of the Internet domain name instalacioneslyl.com which was registered with PDR
`
`Ltd. d/b/a PublicDomainRegistry.com on December 4, 2023. Soumen Halder has a listed
`
`address of Ramjibanpur, PO-RC Thakurani in Kolkata, India and an email address of
`
`meneagard06@gmail.com. Upon information and belief, Defendant Soumen Halder
`
`operates the Internet domain name instalacioneslyl.com and the resultant website to target
`
`consumers in Arizona.
`
`8.
`
`Defendant ABC Corporation 1 and/or John Doe 1 has registered and is using
`
`offervault.com, an Internet domain name initially registered on April 11, 2007 through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 1 and/or John Doe 1 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`9.
`
`Defendant ABC Corporation 2 and/or John Doe 2 has registered and is using
`
`livingway.uk.com, an Internet domain name registered on March 14, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 2 and/or John Doe 2 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`10. Defendant ABC Corporation 3 and/or John Doe 3 has registered and is using
`
`gjgarea.eu.com, an Internet domain name registered on June 12, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 3 and/or John Doe 3 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`
`
`3
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 4 of 41
`
`
`
`11. Defendants ABC Corporation 4 and/or John Doe 4 has registered and is using
`
`accinate.com, an Internet domain name registered on March 16, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 4 and/or John Doe 4 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`12. Defendant ABC Corporation 5 and/or John Doe 5 has registered and is using
`
`bureaty.com, an Internet domain name registered on April 17, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 5 and/or John Doe 5 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`13.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 6 and/or John Doe 6 has registered and is using
`
`zindashmap.one, an Internet domain name registered on October 31, 2022, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 6 and/or John Doe 6 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`14.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 7 and/or John Doe 7 has registered and is using
`
`sbarghatjbar.store, an Internet domain name registered on May 23, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 7 and/or John Doe 7 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`15.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 8 and/or John Doe 8 has registered and is using
`
`seocler.com, an Internet domain name registered on September 27, 2022, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 8 and/or John Doe 8 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`16.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 9 and/or John Doe 9 has registered and is using
`
`souksa.com, an Internet domain name registered on December 23, 2022, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 9 and/or John Doe 9 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`17.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 10 and/or John Doe 10 has registered and is using
`
`individuct.org.uk, an Internet domain name registered on April 30, 2022, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 10 and/or John Doe 10 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`
`
`4
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 5 of 41
`
`
`
`18.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 11 and/or John Doe 11 has registered and is using
`
`sebestshop.com, an Internet domain name registered on October 3, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 11 and/or John Doe 11 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`19.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 12 and/or John Doe 12 has registered and is using
`
`blizzardblog.co.uk, an Internet domain name registered on July 2, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 12 and/or John Doe 12 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`20.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 13 and/or John Doe 13 has registered and is using
`
`herzoghof.com, an Internet domain name registered on September 27, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 13 and/or John Doe 13 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`21.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 14 and/or John Doe 14 has registered and is using
`
`kuehnhomes.com, an Internet domain name registered on September 27, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 14 and/or John Doe 14 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`22.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 15 and/or John Doe 15 has registered and is using
`
`hooksnet.com, an Internet domain name registered on November 6, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 15 and/or John Doe 15 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`23.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 16 and/or John Doe 16 has registered and is using
`
`allyoureuro.co.uk, an Internet domain name registered on June 6, 2022, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 16 and/or John Doe 16 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`24.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 17 and/or John Doe 17 has registered and is using
`
`gmutelework.com, an Internet domain name registered on September 15, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 17 and/or John Doe 17 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`
`
`5
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 6 of 41
`
`
`
`25.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 18 and/or John Doe 18 has registered and is using
`
`intls.eu.com, an Internet domain name registered on October 29, 2023, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 18 and/or John Doe 18 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`26.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 19 and/or John Doe 19 has registered and is using
`
`tikpotkick.com, an Internet domain name registered on November 22, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 19 and/or John Doe 19 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`27.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 20 and/or John Doe 20 has registered and is using
`
`kbdrun.net, an Internet domain name registered on February 17, 2021, through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 20 and/or John Doe 20 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`28.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 21 and/or John Doe 21 has registered and is using
`
`oftopsurvey.com, an Internet domain name registered on December 5, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 21 and/or John Doe 21 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`29.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 22 and/or John Doe 22 has registered and is using
`
`zibelring.ink, an Internet domain name registered on December 12, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 22 and/or John Doe 22 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`30.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 23 and/or John Doe 23 has registered and is using
`
`kodomaniacy.com, an Internet domain name registered on April 26, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 23 and/or John Doe 23 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`31.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 24 and/or John Doe 24 has registered and is using
`
`whichtopsurvey.com, an Internet domain name registered on December 5, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 24 and/or John Doe 24 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`
`
`6
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 7 of 41
`
`
`
`32.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 25 and/or John Doe 25 has registered and is using
`
`geschenke-de.online, an Internet domain name registered on December 6, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Go Daddy, LLC. ABC Corporation 25 and/or John Doe 25 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`33.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 26 and/or John Doe 26 has registered and is using
`
`hotdeals.com, an Internet domain name registered on January 16, 1996, through the domain
`
`name registrar Go Daddy, LLC. ABC Corporation 26 and/or John Doe 26 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`34.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 27 and/or John Doe 27 has registered and is using
`
`educations.com.de, an Internet domain name most recently updated on December 17, 2023,
`
`upon information and belief, is hosted by Go Daddy, LLC. Upon information and belief,
`
`ABC Corporation 27 and/or John Doe 27 is using a privacy service that shields their true
`
`identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`35.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 28 and/or John Doe 28 has registered and is using
`
`eticspin.com, an Internet domain name registered on December 11, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Name.com, Inc. ABC Corporation 28 and/or John Doe 28 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`36.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 29 and/or John Doe 29 has registered and is using
`
`essentialdailyneed.net, an Internet domain name registered on May 22, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Tucows Domains Inc. ABC Corporation 29 and/or John Doe 29 is
`
`using a privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`37.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 30 and/or John Doe 30 has registered and is using
`
`businessuniversitys.com, an Internet domain name registered on June 3, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Internet Domain Service BS Corp. Upon information and belief, ABC
`
`Corporation 30 and/or John Doe 30 is using a privacy service that shields their true identity.
`
`See Exhibit 2.
`
`38.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 31 and/or John Doe 31 has registered and is using
`
`lucidtera.com, and Internet domain name registered on December 15, 2023, through the
`
`
`
`7
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 8 of 41
`
`
`
`domain name registrar Internet Domain Service BS Corp. ABC Corporation 31 and/or John
`
`Doe 31 is using a privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`39.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 32 and/or John Doe 32 has registered and is using
`
`biogipuzkoa.top, and Internet domain name registered on August 3, 2023 through the domain
`
`name registrar Namecheap, Inc. ABC Corporation 32 and/or John Doe 32 is using a privacy
`
`service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`40.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 33 and/or John Doe 33 has registered and is using
`
`valleyhospitalcure.com, an Internet domain name registered on November 24, 2022, through
`
`the domain name registrar Dynadot Inc. ABC Corporation 33 and/or John Doe 33 is using a
`
`privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`41.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 34 and/or John Doe 34 has registered and is using
`
`kljb-puerkwang.de, an Internet domain name that, upon information and belief, is hosted by
`
`WorldStream B.V. Upon information and belief, ABC Corporation 34 and/or John Doe 34
`
`is using a privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`42.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 35 and/or John Doe 35 has registered and is using
`
`list-manage.com, and Internet domain name registered on April 18, 2006, and renewed on
`
`August 23, 2023, through the domain name registrar Gandi SAS. ABC Corporation 35
`
`and/or John Doe 35 is using a privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`43.
`
`Defendants ABC Corporation 36 and/or John Doe 36 has registered and is using
`
`ev-trainingsolutions.com, an Internet domain name registered on June 9, 2023, through the
`
`domain name registrar Cosmotown, Inc., ABC Corporation 36 and/or John Doe 36 is using
`
`a privacy service that shields their true identity. See Exhibit 2.
`
`44.
`
`ABC Corporation 1-36 and/or John Doe 1-36 are corporations or individuals of
`
`unknown residence and citizenship. Whaleco does not know any of the identities or locations
`
`for these defendants at this time and has been unable to discover them through reasonable due
`
`diligence. Whaleco therefore sues ABC Corporations 1-36 and/or John Does 1-36 by fictitious
`
`names and believes that each is an actual person or entity involved in the unlawful violation of
`
`Whaleco’s intellectual property rights and is legally responsible for the events and injury to
`
`
`
`8
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 9 of 41
`
`
`
`Whaleco alleged here. Whaleco will seek leave to amend this Complaint when the identities of
`
`ABC Corporations 1-36 and John Does 1-36 have been discovered and revealed.
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`45.
`
`This action arises under the federal Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1051, et. seq.,
`
`and under Arizona statutory and common law. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction
`
`over this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1121 and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a) and (b).
`
`46.
`
`This Court has in rem jurisdiction over the domains registered to ABC
`
`Corporations 1-27 and ABC Corporation 32, along with John Does 1-27 and John Doe 32
`
`pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(2)(A). Whaleco, through due diligence, has been unable to
`
`find a person or entity who would have been a defendant because the identity of the registrant
`
`of these domain names is concealed by privacy services. Accordingly, under 15 U.S.C.
`
`§ 1125(d)(2)(C), because the registrars of the domain names—Namecheap and Go Daddy—
`
`are located in this District, the situses of the domains are in this District.
`
`47.
`
`In accordance with 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d)(2)(A)(ii)(II), Whaleco will give notice
`
`of the violation of its rights and its intent to proceed in rem to the postal and e-mail addresses
`
`set forth in the WHOIS registration records for the domains.
`
`48.
`
`Jamya Arroyo, ABC Corporations 1-24, ABC Corporation 32, John Does 1-24,
`
`and/or John Doe 32 consented to jurisdiction in this District when they entered the
`
`registration agreement with the domain name registrar Namecheap. See Exhibit 3.
`
`49.
`
`This Court has general personal jurisdiction over Soumen Halder, ABC
`
`Corporations 25-36, and/or John Does 25-36 based on their continuous and systematic
`
`contacts with Arizona through deliberate and continuous marketing, distribution, and
`
`targeting of Arizona consumers using the domains at issue registered to Soumen Halder and
`
`each respective ABC Corporation and/or John Doe, all of which bear and display infringing
`
`TEMU Marks (as defined below).
`
`50.
`
`This Court has general personal jurisdiction over Soumen Halder, ABC
`
`Corporations 25-36 and/or John Does 25-36 because these respective defendants have
`
`continuously and systematically solicited purchases, through either redirect spam clicking
`
`
`
`9
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 10 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`schemes, phishing campaign, or other direct targeted advertising and solicitations, from
`
`paying Arizona residents while employing identical, or otherwise confusingly similar
`
`variations of, the TEMU Marks.
`
`51.
`
`This Court, on information and belief, has specific personal jurisdiction over
`
`Jamya Arroyo, Soumen Halder, ABC Corporations 1-36 and/or John Does 1-36 because (1)
`
`the respective defendants have solicited purchases from paying consumers residing in
`
`Arizona through the use of the domains listed above and in Exhibit 1, along with each of
`
`the domains’ respective, resultant websites that display the TEMU Marks without
`
`authorization; (2) the claims asserted herein arise from the respective defendants’
`
`aforementioned conduct and contacts; and (3) the exercise of personal jurisdiction is
`
`reasonable.
`
`52.
`
`Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and 15 U.S.C.
`
`§ 1125(d)(2) because the properties—the domain names being used to engage in the unlawful
`
`conduct alleged here—are located in this District.
`
`WHALECO’S SERVICES AND TEMU TRADEMARKS
`
`53. Whaleco operates a closed-loop e-commerce platform that connects consumers
`
`with a vast array of affordable, quality products—including clothing, consumer goods,
`
`cosmetics, appliances, electronics, and more—with third-party sellers, manufacturers, and
`
`brands around the world (the “TEMU Platform”).
`
`54.
`
`The TEMU Platform launched in the United States in September 2022 under
`
`the TEMU name and trademark, including in the logo format shown below (the “TEMU
`
`Marks”). Whaleco has used the TEMU Marks continuously since that time to identify the
`
`source and origin of its TEMU Platform and accompanying services.
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 11 of 41
`
`
`
`55.
`
`The TEMU Platform is available online, aptly at www.temu.com (screenshot
`
`below), and via the TEMU app, which is downloadable on both the Apple App Store and the
`
`Google Play Store (screenshots below).
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 12 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`56. Whaleco spends a substantial amount of money in marketing and promoting
`
`the TEMU Marks by working with key influencers and content creators, advertising on social
`
`media, and purchasing commercial ad spots, including its epic 2023 “Shop Like a Billionaire”
`
`Super Bowl ad (screenshots below), which has been viewed more than 895 million times. See
`
`Exhibit 4. According to one source, the 2023 Super Bowl was watched by over 115 million
`
`viewers in the United States, making it not only the most-watched Super Bowl in history, but
`
`also the most popular U.S. television program of all time. See Exhibit 5.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 13 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`57.
`
`The TEMU Platform has enjoyed tremendous success in the U.S. market.
`
`Today, slightly more than one year after its launch, the TEMU app has surpassed 100 million
`
`downloads on the Google Play Store alone and has been one of the most downloaded free
`
`apps in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. See Exhibit 6.
`
`58.
`
`In addition to marketing, Whaleco’s success is the result of its commitment to
`
`offering a quality shopping experience to its consumers on the TEMU Platform. Whaleco has
`
`invested, and continues to invest, a substantial amount of money in building an online
`
`infrastructure that is convenient and complete for sellers and consumers alike.
`
`59.
`
`As a result of the extensive public exposure of the TEMU Marks and the
`
`enormous success of the TEMU Platform, the TEMU Marks have become well-known and
`
`embody the enormous goodwill that Whaleco has worked hard to build. Whaleco has been
`
`granted an exclusive license by Five Bells Limited, giving Whaleco the right and authority to
`
`use and enforce the TEMU Marks, including the following valid and subsisting U.S.
`
`trademark registrations, which cover a variety of online marketplace and shopping services:
`
`13
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` /
`
` / /
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 14 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Mark
`
`TEMU
`
`TEMU
`
`
`
`
`
`Reg. No.
`Reg. Date
`
`Reg. No.
`7145476
`
`08-22-2023
`
`Reg. No.
`7157165
`09-05-2023
`
`Reg. No.
`7157220
`09-05-2023
`
`Reg. No.
`7164306
`09-12-2023
`
`Products/Services
`
`Provision of an online marketplace for buyers
`and sellers of goods and services in Class 35.
`
`Various downloadable software for online
`shopping in Class 9.
`
`Various downloadable software for online
`shopping in Class 9.
`
`Provision of an online marketplace for buyers
`and sellers of goods and services in Class 35.
`
`Printouts of these registrations, taken from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s online
`
`database, are attached as Exhibit 7.
`
`60. Whaleco is also the exclusive licensee authorized to use and enforce the
`
`following federal trademark applications owned by Five Bells Limited for the TEMU
`
`trademark and logo covering a variety of services in Classes 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, and 45:
`
`Mark
`
`TEMU
`
`TEMU
`
`Serial No.
`App. Date
`
`Serial No.
`97543570
`
`08-10-2022
`
`
`
`
`Serial No.
`97543542
`
`08-10-2022
`
`
`Products/Services
`
`Among other things, Software as a service
`(SAAS) services featuring software for online
`shopping in Class 42.
`
`Among other things, advertising and
`marketing services in Class 35.
`
`
`
`14
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 15 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Mark
`
`TEMU
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TEMU
`
`TEMU
`
`TEMU
`
`Serial No.
`App. Date
`
`
`Serial No.
`97543555
`
`08-10-2022
`
`
`Serial No.
`97575694
`
`09-01-2022
`
`Serial No.
`97575712
`
`09-01-2022
`
`
`Serial No.
`97736381
`
`12-29-2022
`
`
`Serial No.
`97736385
`
`12-29-2022
`
`
`Serial No.
`97736391
`
`12-29-2022
`
`
`Products/Services
`
`Various transmission services in Class 38.
`
`Various transmission services in Class 38.
`
`Among other things, Software as a service
`(SAAS) services featuring software for online
`shopping in Class 42.
`
`Various banking and bill payment services in
`Class 36.
`
`Various services for the transportation of
`goods in Class 39.
`
`Various entertainment services in Class 41.
`
`
`
`15
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 16 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Mark
`
`TEMU
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Serial No.
`App. Date
`
`
`Serial No.
`97736396
`
`12-29-2022
`
`
`Serial No.
`97736411
`
`12-29-2022
`
`Serial No.
`97736419
`
`12-29-2022
`
`Serial No.
`97736428
`
`12-29-2022
`
`Serial No.
`97736435
`
`12-29-2022
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Products/Services
`
`Various services, including online social
`networking services, for the purpose of online
`shopping in Class 45.
`
`Various banking and bill payment services in
`Class 36.
`
`Various services for the transportation of
`goods in Class 39.
`
`Various entertainment services in Class 41.
`
`Various services, including online social
`networking services, for the purpose of online
`shopping in Class 45.
`
`
`
`16
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 17 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Mark
`
`TEMU
`
`Serial No.
`App. Date
`
`
`Serial No.
`97889848
`
`04-14-2023
`
`
`Products/Services
`
`Online retail store services and provision of
`an online marketplace for buyers and sellers
`of goods and services in Class 35.
`
`Printouts of these applications, taken from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s online
`
`database, are attached as Exhibit 8.
`
`THE INFRINGING DOMAIN NAMES AND
`DEFENDANTS’ ASSOCIATED WEBSITES
`
`61.
`
`Concorporarius.com; offervault.com;
`
`livingway.uk.com; gjgarea.eu.com;
`
`accinate.com; bureaty.com; zindashmap.one; sbarghatjbar.store; seocler.com; souksa.com;
`
`individuct.org.uk; sebestshop.com; blizzardblog.co.uk; herzoghof.com; kuehnhomes.com;
`
`hooksnet.com; allyoureuro.co.uk; gmutelework.com;
`
`intls.eu.com;
`
`tikpotkick.com;
`
`kbdrun.net; oftopsurvey.com; zibelring.ink; whichtopsurvey.com; biogipuzkoa.top, and
`
`kodomaniacy.com are Internet domain names at issue in this Verified Complaint that (a) all
`
`share the same domain name registrar, namely, Namecheap Inc.; (b) all but one employ the
`
`use of a privacy service, and (c) all display, without authorization, the TEMU Marks on the
`
`domain names’ resultant websites in violation of Plaintiff’s well-established trademark
`
`rights.
`
`62.
`
`There are additional Internet domain names at issue in this Verified Complaint.
`
`Geschenke-de.online; educations.com.de; and hotdeals.com are all (a) registered with the
`
`same domain name registrar, namely, Go Daddy LLC; (b) employ the use of a privacy
`
`service; and (c) display, without authorization, the TEMU Marks on the domain names’
`
`resultant websites in violation of Plaintiff’s well-established trademark rights.
`
`63.
`
`Kljb-puerkwang.de is an additional Internet domain name at issue in this
`
`Verified Complaint which, as referenced above, (a) appears to be hosted with WorldStream
`
`B.V.; (b) employs the use of a privacy service; and (c) displays, without authorization, the
`
`
`
`17
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29
`
`30
`
`31
`
`

`

`Case 2:24-cv-00036-SPL Document 1 Filed 01/05/24 Page 18 of 41
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TEMU Marks on the domain name’s resultant website, in violation of Plaintiff’s well-
`
`established trademark rights.
`
`64.
`
`Valleyhospitalcure.com is an additional Internet domain name at issue in this
`
`Verified Complaint which, as referenced above, is registered with Dynadot Inc., employs
`
`the use of a privacy service, and displays, without authorization, the TEMU Marks on the
`
`domain name’s resultant website, in violation of Plaintiff’s well-established trademark
`
`rights.
`
`65.
`
`Businessuniversitys.com and lucidtera.com are additional Internet domain
`
`names at issue in this Verified Complaint which (a) are all registered with Internet Domain
`
`Service BS Corp.; (b) employ the use of a privacy service; and (c) display, without
`
`authorization, the TEMU Marks on the domain names’ resultant websites

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket