throbber
Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 1 of 18
`

`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
`MIAMI DIVISION
`
`CASE NO.: ______________________________
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`
`POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN, INC.,
`
`
`
`vs.
`
`FLORIDA POP, LLC; POP RESTAURANT
`HOLDINGS, LLC AND GUILLERMO PERALES,
`
`Defendants.
`
`________________________________________/
`
`
`
`
`COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND DAMAGES
`
`Plaintiff Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (“Popeyes”) sues Defendants Florida Pop, LLC
`
`(“Company”), Pop Restaurant Holdings, LLC (“PRH”) and Guillermo Perales (“Perales”) (PRH
`
`and Perales are hereinafter collectively the “Guarantors”)(Guarantors and Company are hereinafter
`
`collectively “Defendants”) and states:
`
`1.
`
`This is an action to enjoin Defendants’ unauthorized use of Popeyes’ valuable
`
`trademarks and service marks in connection with their unlawful operation of three restaurants as
`
`authorized POPEYES® restaurants, as well as for damages under the Lanham Act and the
`
`agreements between the parties.
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`2.
`
`Plaintiff Popeyes is a Minnesota corporation with its principal place of business in
`
`Miami, Florida.
`
`3.
`
`Defendant Company is a Texas limited liability company with its principal place of
`
`business in Dallas, Texas.
`

`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 2 of 18
`

`
`4.
`
`Defendant PRH is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of
`
`business in Dallas, Texas.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`Defendant Perales is a resident of and domiciled in the State of Texas
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`Popeyes operates and franchises restaurants throughout the world, including the
`
`United States. Founded over twenty-five years ago, Popeyes now has more than 2,700 franchised
`
`restaurants in the world.
`
`7.
`
`Popeyes’ franchise operations are conducted and supervised from its world
`
`headquarters located in Miami, Florida. Popeyes and Defendants have carried on a continuous
`
`course of direct communications by mail, e-mail and by telephone through Popeyes’ headquarters
`
`in Miami, Florida.
`
`8.
`
`The course of dealing between Popeyes and its franchisees, including Defendants,
`
`shows that decision-making authority is vested in Popeyes’ headquarters in Miami, Florida.
`
`9.
`
`Defendants have breached contracts which were to be performed in Florida due to
`
`their failure to cease use of the POPEYES® trademarks and system after their franchise
`
`agreements were terminated. These breaches have caused damage to Popeyes at its headquarters
`
`in Miami, Florida.
`
`10.
`
`This Court has jurisdiction over this action based upon:
`
`(a)
`
`Section 39 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1121, and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331,
`
`1337, and 1338(a), for the claims arising out of Defendants’ violations of Sections 32, 43(a) and
`
`44 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1125(a) and 1126; and
`
`(b)
`
`28 U.S.C. § 1338(b), and the doctrine of supplemental jurisdiction as
`
`codified in 28 U.S.C. § 1367, for the claims arising out of Defendants’ breaches of contracts and
`

`
`2 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 3 of 18
`

`
`common law unfair competition.
`
`11.
`
`Venue is proper in the Southern District of Florida pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391
`
`and the forum selection clauses agreed to by the parties in their written agreements.
`
`12.
`
`Defendants have agreed in writing that in litigation to enforce the terms of the
`
`agreements between Popeyes and Defendants, Popeyes, as the prevailing party, shall be paid by
`
`Defendants all costs, including attorneys’ fees, incurred as a result.
`
`13.
`
`Popeyes has engaged the undersigned counsel and has agreed to pay counsel
`
`reasonable attorneys’ fees for all services rendered in this action and otherwise in connection with
`
`enforcing the agreements between Popeyes and Defendants.
`
`THE POPEYES’ MARKS
`
`14.
`
`To identify the source, origin and sponsorship of Popeyes’ facilities, products, and
`
`services, Popeyes has extensively employed, caused to be advertised and publicized throughout
`
`the United States (and elsewhere) certain distinctive symbols as trademarks and service marks (the
`
`“Marks”). Popeyes owns and was the first to adopt and use the Marks as trademarks and service
`
`marks and all right, title and interest in and to the Marks and the design, decor and image of
`
`POPEYES® restaurants remains vested solely in Popeyes in Miami, Florida.
`
`15.
`
`Popeyes operates and franchises POPEYES® restaurants using the Marks on signs,
`
`menu boards, posters, uniforms, packaging, cups and other items in advertising to the public
`
`through television, print media and the internet.
`
`16.
`
`Set forth below is an abbreviated listing of the Marks registered to Popeyes in the
`
`United States Patent and Trademark Office:
`

`

`
`Trademark 
`
`Status 
`
`LOVE THAT CHICKEN 
`
`Registered 
`
`Application  
`Number  
`88/915690 
`
`Application 
`Date 
`05/14/2020 
`
`Registration 
`Number 
`
`6444181 
`
`Registration 
`Date 
`08/10/2021 
`
`Class 
`
`43 
`
`3 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 4 of 18
`

`
`Trademark 
`
`LOVE THAT CHICKEN FROM 
`POPEYES 
`LOVE THAT CHICKEN! (Stylized) 
`

`P LOUISIANA KITCHEN Seal 
`

`
`POPEYES 
`
`POPEYES 
`
`POPEYES 
`
`POPEYES 
`
`Status 
`
`Registered 
`
`Application  
`Number  
`73/162712 
`
`Application 
`Date 
`03/17/1978 
`
`Registration 
`Number 
`
`1257959 
`
`Registration 
`Date 
`11/15/1983 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/162713 
`
`03/17/1978 
`
`1116753 
`
`04/17/1979 
`
`Class 
`
`42 
`
`42 
`
`Registered 
`
`77/506282 
`
`06/24/2008 
`
`3681087 
`
`09/08/2009 
`
`29, 43 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/029940 
`
`08/19/1974 
`
`1021254 
`
`09/23/1975 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/052658 
`
`05/19/1975 
`
`1030944 
`
`01/20/1976 
`
`Registered 
`
`88/883839 
`
`04/23/2020 
`
`6399724 
`
`06/29/2021 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/162707 
`
`03/17/1978 
`
`121096 
`
`06/26/1979 
`
`42 
`
`29 
`
`29, 30, 35, 
`43 
`29 
`
`POPEYES 
`
`POPEYES 
`
`POPEYES (Stylized Standing 
`Letters) (Color) 
`

`
`Registered 
`
`73/162627 
`
`03/17/1978 
`
`1121699 
`
`07/10/1979 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/766279 
`
`11/29/1988 
`
`1552225 
`
`08/15/1989 
`
`Registered 
`
`90/605817 
`
`03/26/2021 
`
`6860748 
`
`09/27/2022 
`
`30 
`
`35 
`
`43 
`
`POPEYES (Stylized) 
`
`Registered 
`
`73/361550 
`
`04/26/1982 
`
`1267567 
`
`02/21/1984 
`
`29, 30, 42 
`

`POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN & 
`Design 
`

`POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN 
`(Standing Lockup) (Color) 
`
`Registered 
`
`77/506242 
`
`06/24/2008 
`
`3681086 
`
`09/08/2009 
`
`29, 43 
`
`Registered 
`
`90/605835 
`
`03/26/2021 
`
`6860749 
`
`09/27/2022 
`
`43 
`

`

`17.
`

`
`The registrations of the Marks are currently in full force and effect, and Popeyes
`
`has given notice to the public of the registration of the Marks as provided in 15 U.S.C. § 1111.
`
`18.
`
`Pursuant to franchise agreements between Popeyes and its franchisees, including
`
`Defendants, Popeyes grants its franchisees a limited license and authority to use and display the
`

`
`4 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 5 of 18
`

`
`Marks, but only in the manner prescribed by Popeyes. In no event is a franchisee authorized to
`
`use the Marks after the expiration or termination of its franchise. Such unauthorized use is
`
`expressly prohibited under the terms of all Popeyes franchise agreements, including Defendants’
`
`franchise agreements with Popeyes.
`
`19.
`
`Popeyes and its franchisees have spent many millions of dollars in the United Stated
`
`and abroad advertising and promoting POPEYES® restaurants, services and products.
`
`20.
`
`The substantial investment made in the Marks has resulted in valuable good will
`
`for the Marks in the United States and elsewhere and for the restaurants, products and services
`
`bearing those marks. Popeyes’ products and services have met with popular approval and, as a
`
`result of Popeyes’ extensive sales, advertising, promotion and publicity, the public throughout the
`
`world is familiar with the Marks. The products and services associated with the Marks are
`
`understood by the public to be produced, marketed, sponsored, supplied by and/or affiliated with
`
`Popeyes.
`
`THE POPEYES SYSTEM
`
`21.
`
`Popeyes has developed a comprehensive restaurant operating system (“System”)
`
`for all Popeyes’ franchisees worldwide in order to protect the image of POPEYES® restaurants
`
`and to ensure uniform, high quality standards. The detailed specifications and procedures of the
`
`System are set forth in Popeyes’ Operating Standards Manual (the “OPS Manual”).
`
`22.
`
`Every Popeyes franchisee is required by its franchise agreement to operate its
`
`franchise in accordance with the OPS Manual. The OPS Manual sets forth in detail the mandatory
`
`Popeyes’ restaurant operating standards, specifications and procedures, including rules governing
`
`areas such as food preparation, handling, cleanliness, health, sanitation, quality and speed of
`
`service. In addition to these strict quality, service and cleanliness requirements, the OPS Manual
`

`
`5 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 6 of 18
`

`
`prescribes specified training procedures to ensure that these requirements are met. The OPS
`
`Manual is a confidential Popeyes document which a franchisee is permitted to have only during
`
`the term of the franchise agreement.
`
`23.
`
`Popeyes offers a broad range of services to its franchisees in order to monitor and
`
`assist a franchisee’s compliance with these standards. This enables Popeyes to safeguard the
`
`integrity of POPEYES® restaurants, the System and the Marks.
`
`24.
`
`Integral to Popeyes’ compliance and assistance program are periodic inspections
`
`and consultations undertaken by personnel specially trained to observe and advise in all areas of
`
`restaurant operating procedure. Each POPEYES® Restaurant Franchise Agreement confers upon
`
`Popeyes the right to enter the restaurant premises to perform this vital function.
`
`25.
`
`As a result of its substantial expenditures of money and effort in developing and
`
`implementing the System, Popeyes has established a high reputation and a positive image with the
`
`public as to the quality of products and services available at POPEYES® restaurants, which
`
`reputation and image have been, and continue to be, valuable assets of Popeyes. Popeyes strives
`
`to maintain that reputation through its careful selection of authorized franchise owners, facilities
`
`and locations, and its careful supervision over the manner and quality of its restaurant service.
`
`POPEYES’ AGREEMENTS WITH DEFENDANTS
`
`A. Franchise Agreements
`
`26.
`
`Company owned and operated three (3) restaurants as franchised POPEYES®
`
`restaurants (collectively the “Restaurants,” and separately, #11942, #13162, and #12050) using the
`
`System and the Marks, in accordance with the terms and conditions of three franchise agreements
`
`(hereinafter collectively the “Franchise Agreements”, and separately the “#11942 Franchise
`
`Agreement”, the “#13162 Franchise Agreement” and the “#12050 Franchise Agreement”).
`
`27.
`
`The Restaurants’ numbers, locations and dates of the Franchise Agreements are set
`

`
`6 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 7 of 18
`

`
`forth below:
`
`POPEYES®
`Restaurant
`No.
`11942
`
`13162
`
`12050
`
`
`
`Address
`
`4658 State Route 46
`Sanford, Florida 32771
`1901 North Highway 19
`Eustis, Florida 32726
`2175 S.W. Highway 484
`Ocala, Florida 33473
`
`B. Guaranty
`
`Date of
`Franchise
`Agreement
`07/11/2016
`
`11/15/2019
`
`03/07/2016
`
`28.
`
`Pursuant to a written guaranty for each of the Restaurants (collectively the
`
`“Guarantees” and separately the “#11942 Guaranty”, the “#13162 Guaranty” and the “#12050
`
`Guaranty”), Guarantors jointly, severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the payment
`
`and performance of any and all obligations of Company under the Franchise Agreements.
`
`C. Relevant Terms of the Franchise Agreements
`
`29.
`
`Under the terms of the Franchise Agreements, Company was required to operate
`
`and maintain the Restaurants in conformity and compliance with Popeyes’ standards and
`
`specifications.
`
`30.
`
`The Franchise Agreements and Guarantees (collectively the “Agreements”) contain
`
`provisions regarding default and establishing the parties’ rights and obligations in the event of a
`
`default by Defendants thereunder.
`
`D. The Limited License Agreement for #12050
`
`31.
`
`As a result of multiple defaults under the #12050 Franchise Agreement, the #12050
`
`Franchise Agreement terminated effective April 12, 2022.
`
`32.
`
`However, under a Limited License Agreement (“License Agreement”) executed by
`
`the parties, Popeyes granted Defendants a limited right to operate #12050 until October 12, 2022
`

`
`7 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 8 of 18
`

`
`(or possibly thereafter), under the terms and conditions therein, which included that #12050
`
`operate pursuant to specific operational standards and specifications. The License Agreement
`
`further provided that if Defendants failed to operate #12050 in accordance with those
`
`specifications, the right to operate #12050 would terminate October 12, 2022 or earlier.
`
`DEFENDANTS’ DEFAULTS AND TERMINATION
`
`33.
`
`Defendants breached the Agreements by failing to operate and/or maintain the
`
`Restaurants in conformity and compliance with Popeyes’ standards and specifications with regard
`
`to food safety and brand standards.
`
`34.
`
`By letters dated October 3, 2022 and October 17, 2022, Popeyes notified
`
`Defendants of their defaults under the #11942 Franchise Agreement and demanded that they cure
`
`the defaults within the time periods set forth therein (collectively the “#11942 Notices of Default”).
`
`The #11942 Notices of Default further notified Defendants of Popeyes’ right to terminate the
`
`#11942 Franchise Agreement without affording Defendants an opportunity to cure if they
`
`committed certain defaults more than once in any twelve month period.
`
`35.
`
`Not only did Defendants fail to cure the defaults as set forth in the #11942 Notices
`
`of Default, but they committed additional defaults on or about October 28, 2022 by failing to
`
`operate #11942 in accordance with critical food safety standards.
`
`36.
`
`As a result of the Defendants’ failure to timely cure the defaults under the #11942
`
`Notices of Default and their subsequent default, the #11942 Franchise Agreement terminated
`
`effective November 2, 2022.
`
`37.
`
`By letter dated November 2, 2022, Popeyes notified Defendants of the termination
`
`of the #11942 Franchise Agreement and demanded compliance with the post-termination
`
`covenants contained therein.
`

`
`8 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 9 of 18
`

`
`38.
`
`By letter dated October 3, 2022, Popeyes notified Defendants of their defaults under
`
`the #13162 Franchise Agreement and demanded that they cure the defaults within the time periods
`
`set forth therein (the “#13162 Notice of Default”). The #13162 Notice of Default further notified
`
`Defendants of Popeyes’ right to terminate the #13162 Franchise Agreement without affording
`
`Defendants an opportunity to cure if they committed certain defaults more than once in any twelve
`
`month period.
`
`39.
`
`Not only did Defendants fail to timely cure the defaults under the #13162 Notice
`
`of Default, but they committed additional defaults on or about October 6, 2022, by failing to
`
`operate #13162 in accordance with Popeyes’ standards and specifications.
`
`40.
`
`As a result of their failure to timely cure the defaults under the #13162 Notice of
`
`Default and the subsequent default, the #13162 Franchise Agreement terminated effective October
`
`13, 2022.
`
`41.
`
`By letter dated October 13, 2022, Popeyes notified Defendants of the termination
`
`of the #13162 Franchise Agreement and demanded compliance with the post-termination
`
`covenants contained therein.
`
`42.
`
`Although the #12050 Franchise Agreement terminated effective April 12, 2022,
`
`Defendants, pursuant to a License Agreement, had a limited right to operate #12050 until October
`
`12, 2022 (with a possible right to operate after that date) under the terms and conditions set forth
`
`therein. As a result of Defendants’ failure to operate #12050 in accordance with the specifications
`
`set forth in the License Agreement, Popeyes notified Defendants, by letter dated October 13, 2022
`
`(the #12050 Notice of Default and Termination”), that the License Agreement was terminated
`
`effective October 12, 2022, and in which Popeyes demanded compliance with the post-termination
`
`covenants contained therein.
`

`
`9 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 10 of 18
`

`
`Termination
`
`43.
`
`Terminated franchisees are prohibited from identifying themselves as either a
`
`current or former POPEYES® franchisee, from displaying or using any of Popeyes’ trade secrets,
`
`promotional materials, the Marks, or any mark confusingly similar. Terminated franchisees are
`
`further required, upon termination or expiration of their POPEYES® Restaurant Franchise
`
`Agreements, to immediately make such removals or changes in signs and the building as Popeyes
`
`shall request so as to effectively distinguish the building and premises from its former appearance
`
`and from any other POPEYES® Restaurant.
`
`44.
`
`In violation of the Franchise Agreements, Defendants continue to hold themselves
`
`out to the public as owning and operating genuine and authorized POPEYES® Restaurants by
`
`continuing to display and/or use the Marks at the Restaurants subsequent to the Franchise
`
`Agreements’ termination, and they have failed to de-identify the locations. In so doing, Defendants
`
`are infringing upon the Marks and breaching their explicit obligations under the Franchise
`
`Agreements.
`
`45.
`
`Additionally, Defendants have not returned the OPS Manuals and other operational
`
`manuals to Popeyes as required by the Franchise Agreements.
`
`LIKELIHOOD OF CONSUMER CONFUSION AND DECEPTION
`
`46.
`
`Defendants have not tendered to Popeyes or removed all POPEYES® signs, logos,
`
`menu boards, posters, translights, uniforms, plates, cups, tray liners, and other items bearing the
`
`Marks, name, symbols, or slogans, or which are otherwise identified with POPEYES® Restaurants
`
`and are located at the Restaurants.
`
`47.
`
`Defendants’ continued display of the Marks or any items associated with the
`
`POPEYES® name, symbols, or slogans at the Restaurants are without Popeyes’ license or consent.
`
`Upon seeing the familiar Marks, through Defendants’ unauthorized display thereof, consumers
`

`
`10 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 11 of 18
`

`
`will be deceived into concluding that the Restaurants are sponsored or endorsed by Popeyes, and
`
`bear the Marks pursuant to Popeyes’ authority and permission. Such impressions will have a
`
`material influence on customers’ purchasing decisions, as well as Popeyes’ goodwill and
`
`reputation.
`
`48.
`
` By reason of the foregoing, Popeyes has suffered damages, in an amount presently
`
`unknown yet substantial.
`
`49.
`
`Popeyes will suffer serious, immediate, and irreparable harm if Defendants’ willful
`
`infringement of the Marks at the Restaurants are not immediately enjoined. Popeyes’ goodwill
`
`and reputation will suffer by virtue of the public’s identification of Popeyes with the Restaurants
`
`bearing its Marks.
`
`50.
`
`Defendants’ display of the Marks at the Restaurants pose an immediate threat to
`
`the distinct, exclusive image Popeyes has created at great expense for its franchisees. POPEYES®
`
`Restaurants, services, and products are known by the Marks which are emblematic of their
`
`distinctive source. POPEYES® Restaurants enjoy a special appeal to consumers which will be
`
`diluted by the existence of infringing restaurants with products and services bearing the distinctive
`
`Marks. The intangible, but commercially indispensable, value that the POPEYES® Restaurants
`
`now enjoy will be severely undermined by the use and display of the Marks at the Restaurants.
`
`51.
`
` All conditions precedent to the institution of this action have been satisfied,
`
`discharged, excused and/or waived.
`
`COUNT I
`LANHAM ACT INFRINGEMENT AGAINST DEFENDANTS
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`52.
`
`forth herein.
`
`53.
`
`Defendants’ acts constitute infringements of Popeyes’ registered trademarks and
`

`
`11 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 12 of 18
`

`
`service marks in violation of Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1114.
`
`COUNT II
`LANHAM ACT FALSE DESIGNATIONS AGAINST DEFENDANTS
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`54.
`
`forth herein.
`
`55.
`
`Defendants’ acts constitute false designations of origin in violation of Section 43(a)
`
`of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1125(a).
`
`COUNT III
`COMMON LAW TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AGAINST DEFENDANTS
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`56.
`
`forth herein.
`
`57.
`
`Defendants’ acts constitute unlawful trademark and service mark infringements
`
`under the common law.
`
`COUNT IV
`COMMON LAW UNFAIR COMPETITION AGAINST DEFENDANTS
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`58.
`
`forth herein.
`
`59.
`
`Defendants’ acts constitute unfair competition under the common law.
`
`COUNT V
`BREACH OF #11942 FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`60.
`
`forth herein.
`
`61.
`
`Company breached the #11942 Franchise Agreement by failing to operate
`
`Restaurant #11942 in compliance with Popeyes’ standards and specifications with regard to food
`
`safety and brand standards, despite demand.
`

`
`12 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 13 of 18
`

`
`62.
`
`Additionally, Company has not complied with the post-termination obligations in
`
`the #11942 Franchise Agreement requiring, among other things, that Company immediately cease
`
`and desist from all use of the Marks at #11942.
`
`63.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to Popeyes.
`
` COUNT VI
`BREACH OF #13162 FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`64.
`
`forth herein.
`
`65.
`
`Company breached the #13162 Franchise Agreement by failing to operate #13162
`
`in compliance with Popeyes’ standards and specifications with regard to food safety and brand
`
`standards, despite demand.
`
`66.
`
`Additionally, Company has not complied with the post-termination obligations
`
`contained in the #13162 Franchise Agreement requiring, among other things, that Company
`
`immediately cease and desist from all use of the Marks at #13162.
`
`67.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to Popeyes.
`
`COUNT VII
`BREACH OF #12050 LIMITED LICENSE AGREEMENT
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 above as if fully set
`
`68.
`
`forth herein.
`
`69.
`
`Company breached the License Agreement by failing to operate #12050 in
`
`compliance therewith.
`
`70.
`
`Additionally, Company has not complied with the post-termination obligations in
`
`the License Agreement requiring, among other things, that it immediately cease and desist from
`
`all use of the Marks at #12050.
`

`
`13 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 14 of 18
`

`
`
`
`71.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to Popeyes.
`
`COUNT VIII
`BREACH OF #11942 GUARANTY AGAINST GUARANTORS
`
`72.
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 and 61 through 63
`
`above as if fully set forth herein.
`
`73.
`
`Company breached the #11942 Franchise Agreement by failing to operate and
`
`maintain #11942 in compliance therewith.
`
`74.
`
`Company also breached the #11942 Franchise Agreement because it has not
`
`complied with the post-termination obligations contained therein requiring, among other things,
`
`that it immediately cease and desist from all use of the Marks at #11942.
`
`75.
`
`Pursuant to the Guaranty, Guarantors jointly, severally and irrevocably guaranteed
`
`the performance of, inter alia, each and every obligation and liability of Company to Popeyes under
`
`the #11942 Franchise Agreement should Company fail to perform such obligations.
`
`76.
`
`The failure of Guarantors to ensure Company’s compliance with its obligations
`
`under the #11942 Franchise Agreement constitute breaches of the #11942 Guaranty.
`
`77.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to Popeyes.
`
`COUNT IX
`BREACH OF #13162 GUARANTY AGAINST GUARANTORS
`
`78.
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 and 65 through 67
`
`
`
`above as if fully set forth herein.
`
`79.
`
`Company breached the #13162 Franchise Agreement by failing to operate and
`
`maintain #13162 in compliance therewith.
`
`80.
`
`Company also breached the #13162 Franchise Agreement because it has not
`
`complied with the post-termination obligations contained therein requiring, among other things,
`

`
`14 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 15 of 18
`

`
`that it immediately cease and desist from all use of the Marks.
`
`81.
`
`Pursuant to the Guaranty, Guarantors jointly, severally and irrevocably guaranteed
`
`the performance of, inter alia, each and every obligation and liability of Company to Popeyes under
`
`the #13162 Franchise Agreement should Company fail to perform such obligations.
`
`82.
`
`The failure of Guarantors to ensure Company’s compliance with its obligations
`
`under the #13162 Franchise Agreement constitute breaches of the Guaranty.
`
`83.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to Popeyes.
`
`COUNT X
`BREACH OF #12050 GUARANTY AGAINST GUARANTORS
`
`84.
`
`Popeyes re-alleges and incorporates Paragraphs 1 through 51 and 69 through 71
`
`
`
`above as if fully set forth herein.
`
`85.
`
`Company breached the License Agreement by failing to operate and maintain
`
`#12050 in compliance therewith.
`
`86.
`
`Company also breached the License Agreement because it has not complied with
`
`the post-termination obligations contained in the License Agreement requiring, among other
`
`things, that it immediately cease and desist from all use of the Marks at #12050.
`
`87.
`
`Pursuant to the Guaranty, Guarantors jointly, severally and irrevocably guarantied
`
`the performance of, inter alia, each and every obligation and liability of Company to Popeyes under
`
`the License Agreement should Company fail to perform such obligations.
`
`88.
`
`The failure of Guarantors to ensure Company’s compliance with its obligations
`
`under the License Agreement constitute breaches of the Guaranty.
`
`89.
`
`These breaches have directly and proximately caused loss and damage to
`
`Popeyes.
`
`
`

`
`15 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 16 of 18
`

`
`
`
`DEMAND FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
`
`The agreements at issue in this litigation provide that Defendants shall pay Popeyes all
`
`damages, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Popeyes in
`
`connection with their enforcing. Popeyes hereby demands that it be reimbursed by Defendants for
`
`all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) relating to prosecution of this action.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`REQUEST FOR RELIEF
`
`WHEREFORE, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. demands judgment against Defendants
`
`Florida Pop, LLC, Pop Restaurant Holdings, LLC and Guillermo Perales for:
`
`
`
`1.
`
`Preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining Defendants and all persons acting
`
`on their behalf, in concert with, or under their control, from:
`
`(a)
`
`manufacturing, packaging, distributing, selling, advertising, displaying, or
`
`promoting any product or service bearing any of the Marks, or any colorable imitation thereof at
`
`the Restaurants;
`
`(b)
`
`displaying or using any of the Marks to advertise or promote the sale of, or
`
`to identify, the Restaurants, or any product or service provided therein; and
`
`(c)
`
`making in any manner whatsoever any statement or representation, or
`
`performing any act, likely to lead members of the public to believe that Defendants, the Restaurants
`
`and the products and services provided therein, are in any manner, directly or indirectly, associated,
`
`affiliated, or connected with, or licensed, sponsored, authorized, or approved by Popeyes.
`
`
`
`2.
`
`Preliminary and permanent injunctions directing Defendants and all persons acting
`
`on Defendants’ behalf, in concert with Defendants, or under Defendants’ control, to:
`
`(a)
`
`recall and deliver up to Popeyes all signs, banners, labeling, packaging,
`
`advertising, promotional, display and point-of-purchase materials which bear, or make reference
`

`
`16 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 17 of 18
`

`
`to, any of the Marks, or any colorable imitation of the Marks;
`
`(b)
`
`recall and deliver up to Popeyes on all copies and editions of the OPS
`
`Manual that are in their actual or constructive, direct or indirect, possession, custody or control,
`
`including all supplements and addenda thereto and all other materials containing restaurant
`
`operating instructions, restaurant business practices, or plans of Popeyes;
`
`(c)
`
`allow Popeyes, at a reasonable time, to enter the premises of the Restaurants
`
`and make whatever changes, including removal of tangible assets, that are necessary to distinguish
`
`the premises from its appearance as a POPEYES® Restaurant, and;
`
`(d)
`
`account and pay over to Popeyes all gains, profits, and advantages derived
`
`by Defendants from any trademark and service mark infringement, breach of contract, and unfair
`
`competition to the full extent provided for by Section 35 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1117 and
`
`by the controlling principles of common law.
`
`
`
`3.
`
`Money damages, plus three times additional actual damages Popeyes has sustained
`
`by reason of Defendants’ trademark and service mark infringement and unfair competition,
`
`pursuant to Section 35 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1117;
`
`
`
`
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`Punitive damages because of the willful nature of Defendants’ actions;
`
`Pre-judgment interest and Popeyes’ reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in
`
`protecting its rights in this action in accordance with the terms of the Franchise Agreements and
`
`License Agreement, and because of the willful nature of the infringement, pursuant to Section 35
`
`of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1117;
`
`
`
`6.
`
`An order enjoining Defendants from owning, operating or having any interest in
`
`any Chicken Restaurant, as defined in the Franchise Agreements, within a ten-mile radius of the
`
`Restaurants for a two-year period;
`

`
`17 
`
`

`

`Case 1:22-cv-23756-JEM Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 11/16/2022 Page 18 of 18
`

`
`
`
`7.
`
`Compensatory damages, lost profits, and attorneys’ fees and costs against
`
`Defendants due to their breaches of the agreements;
`
`
`
`8.
`
`An order directing Defendants to file with the Court, and to serve on Popeyes’s
`
`counsel within ten days after service of any injunction or order issued herein, or within such a
`
`reasonable time as the Court shall direct, a report, in writing and under oath, setting forth in detail
`
`the manner in which Defendants have complied with such injunction or order;
`
`
`
`
`
`9.
`
`All costs, disbursements, and expenses of this action; and
`
`10.
`
`All such other relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Dated: November 16, 2022
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[12105-000/2912514/2]
`
`
`

`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`/s/ Michael D. Joblove_____________________
`Michael D. Joblove, Esq.
`Florida Bar No.: 354147
`mjoblove@gjblaw.com
`Jessica Serell Erenbaum
`Florida Bar No.: 816000
`
`jerenbaum@gjblaw.com
`GENOVESE JOBLOVE & BATTISTA, P.A.
`4400 Miami Tower
`100 Southeast Second Street
`Miami, Florida 33131
`
`
`Telephone:
`(305) 349-2300
`
`
`Facsimile:
`(305) 349-2310
`Attorneys for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`18 
`
`

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