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`Hubert H. Kuo (CA Bar No. 204036)
`David Yu (CA Bar No. 276471)
`Caixing Ma (CA Bar No. 323142)
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`
`
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiff FLUMGIO TECHNOLOGY
`INC., a California corporation
`
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`Plaintiff FLUMGIO TECHNOLOGY, INC., a California corporation, for
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`causes of action against named Defendants LA CARBONELLA WHOLESALE., a
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`California corporation and M MUTAZ AL AYOUN ALDABBAGH, an individual
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`(collectively “DEFENDANTS”), complain and allege as follows:
`
`//
`
`//
`
`//
`
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`1
`COMPLAINT
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`CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA – SOUTHERN DIVISION
`
`
`
` Case No.
` Assigned to Hon. Judge
` Courtroom:
`
`
`vs.
`
`
`FLUMGIO TECHNOLOGY, INC., a
`California corporation;
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`
`
`LA CARBONELLA WHOLESALE,
`a California corporation; M MUTAZ
`AL AYOUN ALDABBAGH, an
`individual, and DOES 1 through 10,
`inclusive.
`
`
`
`Defendants.
`
`COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES:
`
`1. FEDERAL TRADEMARK
`INFRINGEMENT UNDER 15
`U.S.C. §§ 1114;
`2. FEDERAL UNFAIR
`COMPETITION AND FALSE
`ADVERTISING UNDER 15 U.S.C. §
`1125(a);
`3. COMMON LAW
`TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT;
`and
`4. UNFAIR COMPETITION AND
`FALSE ADVERTISING UNDER
`CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE §§
`17200 AND 17500, ET SEQ.
`
`JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 2 of 17 Page ID #:2
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`THE PARTIES
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`1.
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`Plaintiff FLUMGIO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (“PLAINTIFF” and/or
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`“FLUMGIO”) is a California corporation, located at 14748 Nelson Ave., Unit C,
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`City of Industry, CA 91744.
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`2.
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`Defendant LA CARBONELLA WHOLESALE(“LCW”) is a California
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`corporation, with its principal place of business located at 10605 Lawson River
`
`Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
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`3.
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`PLAINTIFF is informed and believes, and thereon alleges, that
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`Defendant M MUTAZ AL AYOUN ALDABBAGH (“ALDABBAGH”) is at
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`various times mentioned herein is an officer, director or agent of Defendant LCW
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`and a resident of the County of Orange.
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`4.
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`Hereafter, LCW and ALDABBAGH may at times collectively be
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`referred as DEFENDANTS.
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`5.
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`The true names and capacities, whether individual, corporate, associate,
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`or otherwise, of the defendants named herein as DOES 1 through 25 inclusive, are
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`unknown to PLAINTIFF who therefore sue said defendants by such fictitious names
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`pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure § 474. PLAINTIFF will amend this
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`Complaint to show their true names and capacities when the same have been
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`ascertained.
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`6.
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`PLAINTIFF is informed and believe, and thereon allege that at all times
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`relevant to this action each of the DEFENDANTS, including DOES 1 through 25
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`inclusive, were responsible in some manner for the acts and omissions alleged in this
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`Complaint, and that PLAINTIFF’S damages, both existing and prospective, are,
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`were, and will be proximately caused by the acts and omissions of the
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`DEFENDANTS, including DOES 1 through 25 inclusive.
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`7.
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`Based upon information and belief, PLAINTIFF alleges there exists,
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`and at all times herein mentioned there existed, a unity of interest and ownership
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`between ALDABBAGH, on the one hand, and LCW on the other hand, such that
`
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`2
`COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 3 of 17 Page ID #:3
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`any individual and separateness between ALDABBAGH, on the one hand, and
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`LCW, on the other hand, have ceased to exist, and ALDABBAGH is the alter ego of
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`LCW in that LCW is, and at all times herein mentioned was a mere shell,
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`instrumentality and conduit through which ALDABBAGH carried on his business
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`and were so inadequately capitalized that, compared with the business to be done by
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`LCW, and the risks of loss, its capitalization was illusory. ALDABBAGH
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`completely controlled, dominated, managed and operated LCW and commingled the
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`assets of each to suit the convenience of ALDABBAGH and to evade payment of
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`the obligations owed to creditors of LCW.
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`8.
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`Adherence to the fiction of the separate existence of ALDABBAGH,
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`on the one hand, and LCW, on the other hand, would permit an abuse of the
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`corporate privilege and would sanction fraud and promote injustice in that
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`ALDABBAGH have perpetrated fraudulent acts in the names of LCW and never
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`taken the steps to maintain the corporate standing of LCW.
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`VENUE AND JURISDICTION
`
`9.
`
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction of this Complaint pursuant to
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`15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq. (Lanham Act), 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a) (trademark) and 28
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`U.S.C. § 2201 (Declaratory Judgment Act) because it includes claims for
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`declaratory relief and infringement, including federally registered trademarks.
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`10. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the parties as they all reside or
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`do business in this judicial district.
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`11. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)
`
`and (c), as DEFENDANTS reside in this judicial district, a substantial part of the
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`events, omissions and acts which are the subject matter of this action occurred
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`within the Central District of California.
`
`FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
`
`12. PLAINTIFF is a highly successful company which sells products
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`relating to certain nicotine and vapor delivery system products.
`
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`3
`COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 4 of 17 Page ID #:4
`
`
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`13. PLAINTIFF is the owner of rights in the design mark FLUM in
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`connection with electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid) comprised of flavorings in
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`liquid form, other than essential oils, used to refill electronic cigarette cartridges;
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`electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid) comprised of propylene glycol; electronic
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`cigarette liquid (e-liquid) comprised of vegetable glycerin; electronic cigarettes;
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`chemical flavorings in liquid form used to refill electronic cigarette cartridges;
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`liquid nicotine solutions for use in electronic cigarettes sold in connection therewith
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`(collectively, “Plaintiff’s Goods”), including United States Trademark Registration
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`no. 6692431 filed on April 20, 2021, registered on April 5, 2022, with the first use
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`in commerce date of at least as early as February 9, 2021 (referred to as the
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`registered mark “FLUM”).
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`14. Specifically, PLAINTIFF’S design mark for FLUM is described as a
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`stylized design comprised of the word, FLUM, against a solid rectangle with a small
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`triangle cutout towards the upper right side.
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`
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`15. PLAINTIFF’S registered mark is described as “a stylized design
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`comprised of the word, FLUM, against a solid rectangle with a small triangle cutout
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`towards the upper right side.”
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`16. PLAINTIFF has continuously used FLUM in commerce in the United
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`States in connection with Plaintiff’s Goods since at least as early as February 9,
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`4
`COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 5 of 17 Page ID #:5
`
`
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`2021, and is currently using FLUM in United States commerce in connection with
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`Plaintiff’s Goods.
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`17. PLAINTIFF has devoted substantial time, effort, and resources to the
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`development and extensive promotion of FLUM and the products offered
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`thereunder. As a result of PLAINTIFF’s efforts, the public has come to recognize
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`and rely upon FLUM as an indication of the high quality associated with
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`PLAINTIFF’S vaping-related products.
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`18. As a result of PLAINTIFF’S long-term and widespread use of FLUM
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`in the United States via internet, print advertising, and continuous and unsolicited
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`media coverage, FLUM enjoys a high degree of consumer recognition.
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`19. PLAINTIFF’S mark FLUM is inherently distinctive.
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`20.
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`In or around early November 2021, PLAINTIFF discovered on the
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`United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) website that DEFENDANT,
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`on August 10, 2021, filed design trademark application no. 90875147, relating to
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`electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid) comprised of flavorings in liquid form, other
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`than essential oils, used to refill electronic cigarette cartridges; electronic cigarette
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`liquid (e-liquid) comprised of propylene glycol; electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid)
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`comprised of vegetable glycerin; electronic cigarettes; chemical flavorings in liquid
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`form used to refill electronic cigarette cartridges; liquid nicotine solutions for use in
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`electronic cigarettes (collectively, “Defendants’ Infringing Products”), for the below
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`mark:
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`5
`COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 6 of 17 Page ID #:6
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`
`
`
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`21. DEFENDANTS describe the mark as following: “The mark consists of
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`neon is written above flum. flum is written in a rectangle.”
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`22. At the same time, DEFENDANTS filed the below specimen as
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`evidence of use of the mark in commerce:
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`6
`COMPLAINT
`
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 7 of 17 Page ID #:7
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`23. DEFENDANTS claims that it first used the mark as early as August 10,
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`2021.
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`24. PLAINTIFF is informed and believes, and thereon alleges, that
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`DEFENDANT is manufacturing, producing marketing, distributing, offering for
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`sale, and selling in interstate commerce vaping products bearing PLAINTIFF’S
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`FLUM mark.
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`25. As PLAINTIFF’S direct competitor, DEFENDANT is offering the
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`Defendants’ Infringing Products to the same consumers as PLAINTIFF and
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`7
`COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 8 of 17 Page ID #:8
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`
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`Defendants’ Infringing Products are sold next to or near PLAINTIFF’S products in
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`overlapping channels of trade.
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`26. Given that DEFENDANTS’ utilized PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark down
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`to the same details, DEFENDANT had knowledge of PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark
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`when it designed, manufactured, distributed, marketed, promoted, offered for sale,
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`and sold Defendants’ Infringing Products. DEFENDANTS intentionally adopted
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`and used the same exact mark, knowing that the FLUM mark would mislead and
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`deceive consumers into believing that DEFENDANTS’ vaping products were
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`produced, authorized, or licensed by PLAINTIFF, or that the vaping products
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`originated from PLAINTIFF.
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`27. PLAINTIFF uses its FLUM mark extensively and continuously before
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`DEFENDANT began: (i) using the FLUM mark on vaping products or (ii)
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`designing, manufacturing distributing, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, and
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`selling the Defendants’ Infringing Products.
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`28. DEFENDANTS’ activities are likely to cause confusion before, during
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`and after the time of purchase because purchasers, prospective, purchasers, and
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`other viewing DEFENDANTS’ Infringing Products at the point of sale or used by a
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`consumer are likely – due to DEFENDANTS’ use of confusingly similar products of
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark – to mistakenly attribute the vaping related products to
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`PLAINTIFF. By causing a likelihood of confusion, mistake, and deception,
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`DEFENDANTS are inflicting irreparable harm on the goodwill symbolized by
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark and the reputation for quality that it embodies.
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`29. As a result of PLAINTIFF’S prior rights, in the nature of earlier use
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`dates in commerce in the United States for FLUM, DEFENDANTS’ use of the
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`infringing products is likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception with respect to
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`the source and origin of goods offered by PLAINTIFF and goods offered by
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`DEFENDANTS under their respective marks, and confusion as to sponsorship,
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`8
`COMPLAINT
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 9 of 17 Page ID #:9
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`affiliation or relation between PLAINTIFF and DEFENDANTS under 15 § USC
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`1052(d).
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`30.
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`If DEFENDANTS are permitted to continue to own NENO FLUM
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`design mark, despite this likelihood of confusion, PLAINTIFF’S rights in and to its
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`mark FLUM in connection with Plaintiff’s goods will be impaired and PLAINTIFF
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`will be damaged.
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`PLAINTIFF’S CORRESPONDENCE WITH DEFENDANT PRIOR TO
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`FILING THE PRESENT COMPLAINT
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`31. On or around December 20, 2021, PLAINTIFF served
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`to
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`DEFENDANTS with a cease and desist letter, demanding that DEFENDANTS
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`cease the use of PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark (the “Demand Letter”), mailed via
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`USPS certified mail.
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`32. The Letter demanded that DEFENDANTS respond to PLAINTIFF’S
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`demands by around December 31, 2022.
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`33. As of today, DEFENDANTS have not provided any response to
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`PLAINTIFF’S Demand Letter.
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`34. PLAINTIFF is informed and believes, and thereon alleges, that
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`DEFENDANT continues to use the FLUM mark in connection with the sale of
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`vaping products that directly compete with vaping products offered by PLAINTIFF.
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`DEFENDANT began selling the Counterfeit Products well after PLAINTIFF
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`established protectable rights in its FLUM mark.
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`35. On further information and belief, DEFENDANT knowingly, willfully,
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`intentionally, and maliciously adopted and used a confusingly similar imitation of
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark.
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`COUNT I
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`(Federal Trademark Infringement Against All Defendants)
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`36. PLAINTIFF re-alleges and incorporates herein by reference the above
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`paragraphs of this Complaint as if set forth here in full.
`
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`9
`COMPLAINT
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`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 10 of 17 Page ID #:10
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`37. DEFENDANTS, without authorization
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`from PLAINTIFF, have
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`purportedly used and are purportedly continuing to use spurious designations that
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`are
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`identical, or substantially
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`indistinguishable from PLAINTIFF’S FLUM
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`registered mark in interstate commerce.
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`38. The forgoing acts of DEFENDANTS are intended to cause, have
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`caused, and are likely to continue to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive
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`consumers, the public, and the trade into believing that DEFENDANTS’ vaping
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`related products are genuine or authorized products of PLAINTIFF, in violation of
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`15 U.S.C. § 1114.
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`39. Based upon
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`information and belief, PLAINTIFF alleges
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`that
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`DEFENDANTS have acted with knowledge of PLAINTIFF’S ownership of the
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`FLUM registered mark and with deliberate intention to unfairly benefit financially
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`from PLAINTIFF’S goodwill use of the registered mark.
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`40. Upon information and belief, PLAINTIFF alleges DEFENDANTS
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`intend to continue their infringing act(s), unless restrained by this Court.
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`41. DEFENDANTS’ act(s) has damaged and will continue to damage
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`PLAINTIFF.
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`42. Defendants’ actions constitute knowing, deliberate and willful
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`infringement of Flumgio’s federally registered mark FLUM. The knowing and
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`intentional nature of the acts set forth herein renders this an exceptional case under
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`15 U.S.C. § 117(a).
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`43.
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`In light of the foregoing, PLAINTIFF is entitled to injunctive relief
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`prohibiting DEFENDANTS from using PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark or any marks
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`identical and/or confusingly similar thereto for any purpose, and to recover from
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`DEFENDANTS all damages, including profits, actual damages, enhanced profits
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`and damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees, that PLAINTIFF has sustained
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`and will sustain as a result of such infringing act(s), in an amount not yet known, as
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`well as the costs of this action.
`
`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`10
`COMPLAINT
`
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 11 of 17 Page ID #:11
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`COUNT II
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`(Federal Unfair Competition and False Advertising Against all Defendants)
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`44. PLAINTIFF re-alleges and incorporates herein by reference the
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`allegations in the proceedings paragraphs of this Complaint as if set forth herein.
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`45. PLAINTIFF’S FLUM registered mark is nonfunctional and has an
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`inherently distinctive quality that has achieved a high degree of consumer
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`recognition and serves to identify PLAINTIFF as the source of high quality goods.
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`46. DEFENDANTS’ alleged advertising, distribution, and sale are likely to
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`confuse, mislead, or deceive consumers, the public, and the trade as to the origin,
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`source, sponsorship, or affiliation of said products, and are intended, and are likely
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`to cause such parties to believe in error that the DEFENDANTS’ vaping related
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`products have been authorized, sponsored, approved, endorsed or licensed by
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`PLAINTIFF, or that DEFENDANTS are in some way affiliated with PLAINTIFF.
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`47. DEFENDANTS’ use of PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark is without
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`PLAINTIFF’S permission or authority and is in total disregard of PLAINTIFF’S
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`rights to control its mark.
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`48. DEFENDANT has made false representations, false descriptions, and
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`false designations of, on or in connection with its goods in violation of 15 U.S.C. §
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`1125(a). DEFENDANT’S activities have caused and, unless enjoined by this Court,
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`will continue to cause a likelihood of confusion and deception of members of the
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`trade and public, and, additionally, injure to PLAINTIFF’S goodwill and reputation
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`as symbolized by PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, for which PLAINTIFF has no
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`adequate remedy at law.
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`49. DEFENDANTS’ acts have damaged and will continue to damage
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`PLAINTIFF, and PLAINTIFF has no adequate remedy at law.
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`50.
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`In light of the foregoing, PLAINTIFF is entitled to injunctive relief
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`prohibiting DEFENDANTS from using PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, or any marks
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`confusingly similar thereto, and to recover all damages, including attorneys’ fees,
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`11
`COMPLAINT
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 12 of 17 Page ID #:12
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`that PLAINTIFF has sustained and will sustain, and all alleged gains, profits and
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`advantages obtained by DEFENDANTS as a result of their infringing acts alleged
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`above in an amount not yet known, as well as the costs of this action.
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`51. DEFENDANTS’ actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and
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`malicious intent to trade on the goodwill associated with PLAINTIFF’S FLUM
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`mark to the great and irreparable injury of PLAINTIFF. The knowing, intentional
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`and willful nature of the acts set forth herein renders this an exceptional case under
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`15 U.S.C. § 1117(a)
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`COUNT III
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`(Common Law Trademark Infringement Against all Defendants)
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`52. PLAINTIFF re-alleges and incorporates herein by reference the
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`allegations in the proceedings paragraphs of this Complaint as if set forth herein.
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`53. DEFENDANTS’ acts constitute common law trademark infringement
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`and unfair competition, and have created and will continue to create, unless
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`restrained by this COURT, a likelihood of confusion to the irreparable injury of
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`PLAINTIFF. PLAINTIFF has no adequate remedy at law for this injury.
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`54. On information and belief, DEFENDANTS acted with full knowledge
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`of PLAINTIFF’S use of, and statutory and common law rights to, PLAINTIFF’S
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`FLUM mark and without regard to the likelihood of confusion of the public, created
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`by DEFENDANTS’ activities.
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`55. DEFENDANTS’ actions demonstrate an intentional, willful, and
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`malicious intent to trade on the goodwill associated with PLAINTIFF’S FLUM
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`mark to the great and irreparable injury of PLAINTIFF.
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`56. As a result DEFENDANT’S acts, PLAINTIFF has been damages in an
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`amount yet determined or ascertained. At minimum, however, PLAINTIFF is
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`entitled to injunctive relief, to an accounting of DEFENDANTS’ profits, damages,
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`and costs. Further, in light of the deliberate and malicious use of a confusingly
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`similar imitation of PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, and the need to deter
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`12
`COMPLAINT
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 13 of 17 Page ID #:13
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`DEFENDANTS from engaging in similar conduct in the future, PLAINTIFF
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`additionally is entitled to punitive damages.
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`COUNT IV
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`(California Unfair Competition and False Advertising Against all Defendants)
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`57. PLAINTIFF re-alleges and incorporates herein by reference the
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`allegations in the proceedings paragraphs of this Complaint as if set forth herein.
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`58. PLAINTIFF owns and enjoys common law trademark rights to
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark in California and throughout the United States.
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`59. DEFENDANTS’ unlawful acts in appropriating rights in
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark were intended to capitalize on PLAINTIFF’S goodwill
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`associated therewith for DEFENDANTS’ own pecuniary gain. PLAINTIFF has
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`expended substantial time, resources and effort to obtain an excellent reputation for
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`their respective brands. As a result of PLAINTIFF’s efforts, DEFENDANTS are
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`now unjustly enriched and are benefiting from property rights that rightfully belong
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`to PLAINTFF.
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`60. DEFENDANTS’ unauthorized use of PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark has
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`caused and is likely to cause confusion as to the source of DEFENDANTS’
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`products, all to the detriment of PLAINTIFF.
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`61. DEFENDANTS’ acts are willful, deliberate and intended to confuse the
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`public and to injure PLAINTFF.
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`62. DEFENDANTS’ acts constitute unfair competition under California
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`common law.
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`63. PLAINTIFF has been irreparably harmed and will continue to be
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`irreparably harmed as a result of DEFENDANTS’ unlawful acts unless
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`DEFENDANTS are permanently enjoined from their unlawful conduct.
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`64. The conduct herein complained of was extreme, outrageous, fraudulent,
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`and was inflicted on PLAINTIFF in reckless disregard of PLAINTIFF’S rights.
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`Said conduct was despicable and harmful to PLAINTIFF, and as such supports an
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`13
`COMPLAINT
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 14 of 17 Page ID #:14
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`award of exemplary and punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish and
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`make an example of the DEFENDANTS and to deter them from similar such
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`conduct in the future.
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`65. DEFENDANTS’ acts have damaged and will continue to damage
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`PLAINTIFF.
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`66.
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`In light of the foregoing, PLAINTIFF is entitled to injunctive relief
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`prohibiting DEFENDANTS from using PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, and to recover
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`all damages, including attorneys’ fees, that PLAINTIFF has sustained and will
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`sustain and all gains, profits and advantages obtained by DEFENDANTS as a result
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`of their infringing acts alleged above in an amount not yet known, as well as the
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`costs of this action.
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`WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for judgment against all DEFENDANTS for
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`PRAYER FOR RELIEF
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`all causes of action as follows:
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`a. That PLAINTIFF be granted injunctive relief under 15 U.S.C. § 1051 et
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`seq.; California Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 and 17500 et
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`seq.; and federal law and California common law of contributory
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`trademark infringement and vicarious trademark infringement;
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`specifically, that DEFENDANTS and all of their respective officers,
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`agents, servants, representatives, employees, attorneys, and all other
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`persons acting in concert with them be enjoined from:
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`1. Using the FLUM mark, and any mark confusingly similar to the FLUM
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`mark, in connection with electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid)
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`comprised of flavorings in liquid form, other than essential oils, used to
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`refill electronic cigarette cartridges; electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid)
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`comprised of propylene glycol; electronic cigarette liquid (e-liquid)
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`comprised of vegetable glycerin; electronic cigarettes; chemical
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`flavorings in liquid form used to refill electronic cigarette cartridges;
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`14
`COMPLAINT
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 15 of 17 Page ID #:15
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`liquid nicotine solutions for use in electronic cigarettes sold in
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`connection therewith;
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`2. Directly or indirectly engage in false advertising or promotions of
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`FLUM products and/or products bearing the FLUM mark;
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`3. Making or inducing others to make any false, misleading or deceptive
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`statement or fact, or representation of fact in connection with the
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`promotion, circulation or distribution of FLUM products by making
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`false representations regarding PLAINTIFF’S products;
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`b. That DEFENDANT be ordered to cease offering for sale, marketing, and
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`selling and to recall all infringing products, or any goods bearing
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark or any other confusingly similar imitation of
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark that are in DEFENDANT’S possession or
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`have been shipped by DEFENDANT or under its authority, to any
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`customer, including but not limited to, any wholesaler, distributor, retailer,
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`consignor, or marketer, and also to deliver to each such store or customer a
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`copy of this Court’s order as it relates to sais injunctive relief against
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`DEFENDANT.
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`c. That DEFENDANTS file, within ten (10) days from entry of an injunction,
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`a declaration with this Court signed under penalty of perjury certifying the
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`manner in which Defendants have complied with the terms of the
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`injunction;
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`d. That DEFENDANT be ordered to deliver up for impoundment and for
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`destruction, all footwear, bags, boxes, labels, tags, signs, packages,
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`receptacles, advertising, sample books, promotional materials, stationery,
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`or other materials in the possession, custody or under the control of
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`DEFENDANT that are found to adopt, infringe, or dilute any of
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`PLAINTIFF’S trademarks or that otherwise unfairly compete with
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`PLAINTIFF and its products;
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`15
`COMPLAINT
`
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 16 of 17 Page ID #:16
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`
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`e. That DEFENDANT be compelled to account to PLAINTIFF for any and
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`all profits derived by DEFENDANT from the sale or distribution of the
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`infringing products;
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`f. That PLAINTIFF be awarded all damages caused by the acts forming the
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`basis of this Complaint;
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`g. That based on DEFENDANT’S knowing and intentional use of a
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`confusingly similar product with PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, the damages
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`awarded should be trebled and the award of DEFENDANT’S profits be
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`enhanced as provided for by 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a);
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`h. That DEFENDANT be required to pay to PLAINTIFF the costs and
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`reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by PLAINTIFF in this action pursuant
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`to 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a) and the state statutes cited in this Complaint;
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`i. That based on DEFENDANTS’ willful and deliberate infringement of
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`PLAINTIFF’S FLUM mark, and to deter such conduct in the future,
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`PLAINTIFF be awarded punitive damages;
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`j. That PLAINTIFF be granted prejudgment and post judgment interest;
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`k. That PLAINTIFF be granted such further relief as the Court may deem
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`just
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`Date: August 5, 2022
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`Respectfully submitted,
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
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`/s/ Caixing Ma
`David Yu
`Caixing Ma
`Attorneys for Plaintiff FLUMGIO
`TECHNOLOGY INC., a California
`corporation
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`16
`COMPLAINT
`
`
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`Case 8:22-cv-01469-DFM Document 1 Filed 08/08/22 Page 17 of 17 Page ID #:17
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`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
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`Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiffs
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`hereby demand a trial by jury as to all claims in this litigation.
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`Date: August 5, 2022
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`Respectfully submitted,
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
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`/s/ Caixing Ma
`David Yu
`Caixing Ma
`Attorneys for Plaintiff FLUMGIO
`TECHNOLOGY INC., a California
`corporation
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`ARDENT LAW GROUP, PC
`4340 Von Karman Ave., Suite 290
`Newport Beach, CA 92660
`Telephone: (949) 299-0188
`Facsimile: (949) 299-0127
`
`17
`COMPLAINT
`
`