throbber
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. http://estta.uspto.gov
`ESTTA349116
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`05/21/2010
`
`Filing date:
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`91194987
`Plaintiff
`Swarm, LLC
`Jessie K. Reider, CA Bar No. 237,113
`Buchalter Nemer, A Professional Corporation
`1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
`Los Angeles, CA 90017
`UNITED STATES
`trademark@buchalter.com
`Motion to Suspend for Civil Action
`Jessie K. Reider, CA Bar No. 237,113
`trademark@buchalter.com
`/jkr/
`05/21/2010
`MOtion to Suspend.PDF ( 20 pages )(688007 bytes )
`
`Proceeding
`Party
`
`Correspondence
`Address
`
`Submission
`Filer's Name
`Filer's e-mail
`Signature
`Date
`Attachments
`
`

`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`In the matter of Trademark Application Serial Number 77/852,023
`For the Mark: SHADES OF GREY
`Published in the Official Gazette on March 23, 2010
`
`SWARM, LLC,
`
`Opposer;
`
`V.
`
`NANCY SIDONIE COHEN,
`
`Applicant
`
`Opposition No.: 91194987
`
`Application: Serial No. 77/852,023
`
`Mark: SHADES OF GREY
`
`Published For Opposition: March 23,
`2010
`
`MOTION TO SUSPEND OPPOSITION
`
`Opposer SWARM, LLC (“Opposer”) requests that the instant Opposition be
`
`suspended pending disposition of a pending civil lawsuit, pursuant to
`
`37 CFR 2.117.
`
`On April 28, 2010, Opposer filed a complaint in the United States District
`
`Court for the Central District of California entitled Swarm, LLC v. Micah A. Cohen
`
`and Nancy Sidonie Cohen, etc., which was designated as case number CV 10-3 188
`
`DDP (FFMx), and which asserted claims for, inter alia, trademark infringement;
`
`false designation of origin; and declaratory judgment for withdrawal of defendants’
`
`trademark application (“Complaint”). A copy of the Complaint as filed is attached
`
`as Exhibit “A.” The defendants named in the Complaint are Micah A. Cohen and
`
`Nancy Sidonie Cohen. Nancy Sidonie Cohen is the applicant in the instant
`
`Opposition (“Applicant”).
`
`

`
`The allegation of trademark infringement is based on Mr. Cohen’s use of the
`
`SHADES OF GREY trademark, and his mother’s, the Applicant’s, application to
`
`register the SHADES OF GREY mark — which is the subject of the instant
`
`Opposition.
`
`The Complaint further seeks declaratory judgment that the pending
`
`application to register the SHADES OF GREY mark is void and should be
`
`withdrawn from the register.
`
`Because final determination of the Complaint will have a bearing on the
`
`issues presented in the instant Opposition, Applicant requests that the Opposition
`
`proceedings be suspended during the pendency of the federal suit resulting from
`
`the Complaint.
`
`Applicant thanks the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board for consideration of
`
`this Motion. Please contact the undersigned with any questions.
`
`Date: Mayp \ ,2010
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`BUCHALTER NEMER
`A Professional Corporation
`
`By:____________________________________
`(ijussell Allyn
`Jssie K. Reider
`uchalter Nemer, APC
`California Bar No. 237,113
`1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500
`Los Angeles, California 90017-2457
`Telephone: (213) 891-5031
`Facsimile: (213) 630-5745
`Email: jreider@buchalter.com;
`trademark@buchalter.com
`
`Attorneys for Opposer
`SWARM, LLC
`
`2
`
`Motion to Suspend — SHADES OF GREY
`
`

`
`Proof of Service
`I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the instant
`Motion to Suspend has been served on the
`Correspondence of Record, Nancy Sidonie Cohen, at the
`address of record for the instant proceeding. A copy of the
`instant Response was sent via First Class mail, postage pre
`paid, on Maya
`2010 to:
`
`Nancy Sidonie Cohen
`3744 Mandeville Canyon Road
`Los Angeles, California 90049
`By: JQJJC N.
`s e K. Reider
`J
`
`BN 6240239v2
`
`3
`
`Motion to Suspend — SHADES OF GREY
`
`

`
`Exhibit A
`Exhibit A
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document 1
`
`Filed 04128/10 Page 1 of 16
`
`1
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`RUSSELL L. ALLYN (SBN: 143531)
`rallyn@buchalter.com
`2 DOUGLAS M. LIPSTONE (SBN: 141104)
`dlivstone @ buchalter. corn
`BUCHALTER NEMER
`A Professional Corporation
`1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500
`Los Angeles, CA 90017
`Telephone: 213) 891-0700
`Facsimile: (z13) 896-0400
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`SWARM, LLC, dba Shades of Greige
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`F
`
`F
`rn
`
`—
`
`-4
`
`j1J6) 3188 tOP (FFf
`
`COMPLAINT FOR:
`(1) TRADEMARK
`INFRINGEMENT
`(2) FALSE DESIGNA’hON OF
`ORIGIN;
`(3) FEDERAL UNFAIR
`COMPETITION;
`(4) STATE UNFAIR
`COMPETITION;
`(5) INTENTIONAL
`INTERFERENCE WITH
`ECONOMIC RELATIONS;
`(6) BREACH OF DUTY OF
`LOYALTY AND
`(7) DECLARAtORY JUDGMENT
`FOR WITHDRAWAL OF
`DEFENDANTS’ TRADEMARK
`APPLICATION
`
`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`SWARM, LLC, a California limited
`liability company, dba Shades of
`12 Greige,
`
`13
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`14
`
`vs.
`15 MICAH A. COHEN, an individual, dba
`Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen; and
`16 NANCY SIDONIE COHEN, an
`individual,
`
`Defendants.
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`“7
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`23
`
`H
`
`I
`
`5)UII’i I ‘.4
`(.O’IPLINT FOR TRADEM,RK NFR1NGENIENT. ETC.; DEM.NJ) FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04/28110 Page 2 of 16
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`VENUE
`1.
`This action is for trademark infringement and related claims under
`the Lanham Act. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1121(a)
`(trademark actions), 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal question), § 1338(a) and (b)
`(trademarks and unfair competition actions) and § 1367(a) (supplemental
`jurisdiction).
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`2.
`Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and (c) in
`that a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims arose in
`this District and the defendants reside here.
`FIRST CLAIM
`(Federal Trademark Infringement Under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)
`Against All Defendants)
`3.
`Plaintiff Swarm, LLC (“Swarm”) is a limited liability company duly
`organized and existing under the laws of the State of California with a principal
`place of business in the County of Los Angeles. Swarm is now, and for several
`years has been, engaged in business in interstate commerce across the United States
`doing business as “Shades of Greige.”
`4.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes that defendant Micah A. Cohen is an
`individual residing in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and has
`recently begun doing business as “Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen.”
`5.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes that defendant Nancy Sidonie Cohen
`is an individual residing in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and has
`recently filed a intent-to-use trademark application for “Shades of Grey.”
`6.
`Since in or about February 2007, Plaintiff, or its predecessor in
`interest, has been engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and
`25
`26 wholesale selling of men’s apparel and accessories bearing the “SHADES OF
`27 GREIGE” trademark (the “Trademark”).
`/1/
`28
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`FIAL IFR N E\I FR
`
`13N 5O()93R4
`
`1
`
`COMPL\JNT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT. ETC.; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page 3 of 16
`
`Plaintiff has been consistently and continually using the “SHADES OF
`7.
`2 GREIGE” trademark over the past three years in connection with its goods.
`Plaintiff’s Trademark is prominently displayed on its goods, in its brochures and in
`3
`its advertising. Plaintiff has expended substantial time, money, and effort to create
`and build-up goodwill and consumer recognition in its “SHADES OF GREIGE”
`trademark, which, as a result, is famous, well known to its wholesale and retail
`customers, and has developed a secondary meaning identifiable with Plaintiff.
`8.
`On or about March 17, 2010, Plaintiff filed an application with the
`8
`9 United States Patent and Trademark Office for registration of the mark “SHADES
`10 OF GREIGE,” Serial Number 77961310, for clothing, namely pants, shorts, shirts,
`tee shirts, polo style shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jackets, coats, suits
`11
`scarves, underwear, loungewear, pajamas, robes, belts, footwear and headwear in
`International Class 25 (“Plaintiff’s Trademark Application”). Plaintiff’s Trademark
`13
`14 Application identifies the date of first-use of the mark in interstate commerce as
`February 13, 2007.
`15
`9.
`Beginning in or about early 2007, Plaintiff, or its predecessor in
`interest, employed Micah A. Cohen as a designer for Plaintiff’s “SHADES OF
`17
`18 GREIGE” apparel line. In or about November 13, 2009, Mr. Cohen quit his job
`19 with Plaintiff. Unbeknownst to Plaintiff, approximately 3½ weeks earlier (on or
`about October 19, 2009), Mr. Cohen’s mother, Nancy Sidonie Cohen, with whom
`20
`he apparently resides or resided, filed an intent-to-use application with the
`21
`22 United States Patent and Trademark Office for registration of the mark
`“SHADES OF GREY,” Serial Number 77852023, for use upon clothing, namely
`23
`tee shirts, shirts, tops, pants, jeans, shorts, bottoms, jackets, suits, outerwear,
`underwear, hats, scarves, gloves and shoes in International Class 25 (“Defendants’
`Trademark Application”). Defendants then began designing, manufacturing and
`selling a men’s apparel line in direct competition with Plaintiff under the name
`“SHADES OF GREY BY MICAH COHEN” (the “Accused Goods”). And in
`3
`
`9LCHAITER NE\ER
`
`BN 5S)0U931 v4
`COMPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, ETC.; DEMAND FOR .JURY TRIAL
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`12
`
`16
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04128/10 Page 4 of 16
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`doing so, Defendants are utilizing the same designs, patterns, look, pricing,
`factories and sales representatives used by Plaintiff when Mr. Cohen was employed
`by Plaintiff, and Defendants are selling the Accused Goods to the same wholesale
`customers to which Plaintiff sells its goods and has developed valuable business
`relationships. Defendants are selling the Accused Goods through the same
`channels of trade as Plaintiff and Defendants’ use of its “SHADES OF GREY BY
`6
`7 MICAH COHEN” trademark is causing actual confusion in the marketplace with
`Plaintiff’s “SHADES OF GREIGE” trademark.
`8
`10.
`Plaintiff has devoted substantial time, money, and effort in the
`establishment and protection of the goodwill, customer recognition, and nationwide
`reputation of its SHADES OF GREIGE trademark, and such Trademark is
`symbolic of the extensive goodwill, customer recognition, and nationwide
`reputation built up by Plaintiff in connection with its business and products.
`Plaintiff has a particularly valuable goodwill established in its “SHADES OF
`15 GREIGE” trademark.
`11.
`Defendants’ “SHADES OF GREY BY MJCAH COHEN” trademark
`is virtually identical to or so resembles Plaintiff’s mark as to cause confusion, to
`cause mistake, or to deceive wholesale and retail customers of the apparel line.
`Indeed, Defendants deliberately, knowingly and intentionally engaged in such
`conduct to deceive wholesale and retail customers, who buy the Accused Goods,
`believing that they were, in fact, buying legitimate, authentic SHADES OF
`22 GREIGE products from Plaintiff.
`12.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes and upon such information and
`belief alleges that customers have considered and are in fact likely to consider the
`items offered under Defendants’ name and mark as emanating from Plaintiff and
`are likely to patronize Defendants believing that the source is Plaintiff. Moreover,
`concurrent use of, and claim of rights in Plaintiff’s “SHADES OF GREIGE” mark
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`3 -HALrER Ni
`,rL
`
`13N 590(J93 I v4
`COI PLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT. ETC.; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document 1
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page 5 of 16
`
`and Defendants’ “SHADES OF GREY BY MICAH COHEN” mark is resulting in
`irreparable damage to Plaintiff’s reputation and goodwill.
`13. Defendants have threatened to and, unless restrained, will continue the
`acts complained of herein, all to Plaintiff’s irreparable damage. It will be extremely
`difficult to ascertain the amount of compensation that would afford Plaintiff
`adequate relief therefor, and, unless this Court grants Plaintiff an injunction
`preventing Defendants from continuing its use of a confusingly similar trademark,
`Plaintiff will not be able to prevent infringement of its Trademark and will be
`irreparably damaged.
`14. Defendants’ conduct has caused, continues to cause, and is likely in
`the future to cause confusion, mistake, and deception in the minds of customers and
`to injure and damage Plaintiff’s goodwill for which there is no adequate remedy at
`law. By reason of the foregoing, Plaintiff has suffered and continues to suffer
`damages and injury to its business, goodwill and profits, the precise amount to be
`determined at trial, and Plaintiff is entitled to the remedies provided for in
`l5U.S.C. 1116 et seq.
`
`15.
`
`SECOND CLAIM
`(False Designation Of Origin Under 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)
`Against All Defendants)
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-14
`above as though set forth in full.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes that Defendants, by their acts herein
`16.
`alleged, willfully, knowingly, and intentionally have engaged in behavior, and
`taken actions that are likely to confuse the trade and customers in violation of the
`Lanham Act § 43(a), 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a).
`17.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes that Defendants’ choice of and
`subsequent use of a confusingly similar and/or identical name and trademark to that
`of Plaintiff, without Plaintiffs knowledge and/or authorization, has led and will
`5
`
`BN 5)OO9U v4
`CON’IPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK NFRJNGEMENT, ETC.; DEMAND FOR .JURY TRIAL
`
`I
`
`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
`
`3LCHLrER N’IFR
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04128/10 Page 6 of 16
`
`I
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`lead customers and the trade to mistakenly believe that Defendants are Plaintiff,
`andlor that Defendants’ products and services originate from, or are authorized,
`approved, sponsored, or licensed by Plaintiff, and that said conduct misappropriates
`Plaintiffs Trademark, trademark rights and goodwill, all to Plaintiff’s continuing
`detriment.
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`Defendants’ use of said name and trademark constitutes willful and
`18.
`deliberate uses of a false designation of origin or a false or misleading
`representation, and is likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception by inducing
`the impression among customers that the products and services offered by
`10 Defendants have been offered by Plaintiff.
`As a direct, proximate and foreseeable result of the wrongful actions of
`19.
`ii
`12 Defendants, Plaintiff has been irreparably injured and suffered, and continues to
`suffer, damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
`13
`THIRD CLAIM
`(Unfair Competition Under 15 U.S.C. § 1125
`Against All Defendants)
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-. 14
`above as though set forth in full.
`21. Defendants are competing with Plaintiff in the same channels of trade
`and using a trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to that of Plaintiffs
`with knowledge of Plaintiff’s prior use of its mark.
`22. Defendants are engaging in unfair competition, by utilizing the same
`designs, patterns, look, pricing, factories and sales representatives that were used
`24 when Mr. Cohen was employed by Plaintiff, and Defendants are selling the
`25 Accused Goods to the same wholesale customers to which Plaintiff sells its goods
`and has developed valuable business relationships.
`26
`23. Moreover, while Mr. Cohen was still employed by Plaintiff,
`Defendants arranged to have registered a competing trademark and began
`6
`
`20.
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`27
`
`28
`
`3 CHALVER NEiR
`
`13N 59O(3Iv4
`COIPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, ETC.; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04128/10 Page 7 of 16
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`competing to usurp business opportunities from Plaintiff and establish a competing
`collection of apparel, all with the intention of depriving Plaintiff of customers and
`revenue.
`
`4
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`24. Defendants are selling and offering to sell the Accused Goods in such
`5 manner as to misleadingly imply that they are emanating from, or sponsored or
`approved by Plaintiff resulting in lost sales by Plaintiff, dilution of Plaintiff’s
`6
`Trademark and irreparable damage to Plaintiff’s reputation and goodwill.
`25.
`As a direct, proximate and foreseeable result of the wrongful conduct
`of Defendants, Plaintiff has been irreparably injured and suffered and continues to
`suffer damages, the precise amount to be determined at trial.
`FOURTH CLAIM
`(Unfair Competition Under California Business & Professions Code
`§ 17200, 17203 and 17500 Against All Defendants)
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-14
`above as though set forth in full.
`27. Defendants are engaging in unfair competition, by utilizing the same
`designs, patterns, look, pricing, factories and sales representatives that were used
`18 when Mr. Cohen was employed by Plaintiff, and selling to the same wholesale
`customers to which Plaintiff sells and has developed relationships.
`19
`28. Moreover, while Mr. Cohen was still employed by Plaintiff,
`Defendants arranged to have registered a competing trademark and began
`competing to usurp business opportunities from Plaintiff and establish a competing
`collection of apparel, all with the intention to deprive Plaintiff of customers and
`revenue.
`
`26.
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`29.
`As a direct, proximate and foreseeable result of the wrongful conduct
`of Defendants, Plaintiff has been irreparably injured and suffered and continues to
`suffer irreparable injury for which Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
`III
`
`c3LCHALTEZ JE\1R
`r
`
`HN 5900931
`COMPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, ETC.; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`FHed 04/28/10 Page 8 of 16
`
`FIFTH CLAIM
`(Intentional Interference with Economic Relations Against All Defendants)
`30.
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-29
`above as though set forth in full.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`31.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereupon alleges that
`6 Defendants were aware of Plaintiff’s beneficial contractual relationships with its
`7 wholesale customers for goods designed, manufactured and sold by Plaintiff, which
`contractual relationships contained the probability of future economic benefit to
`8
`Plaintiff for the Fall 2010 collection and beyond.
`Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereupon alleges that sometime
`32.
`in 2009, Defendants began soliciting these wholesale customers for the purpose of
`competing with Plaintiff and inducing them to purchase goods from Defendants,
`instead of placing orders with Plaintiff for goods from collections that should have
`been manufactured and sold by Plaintiff.
`Based upon Defendants’ usurpation of Plaintiff’s designs, patterns,
`33.
`look, pricing, factories and sales representatives and other acts of unfair
`competition as alleged herein, Defendants succeeded in interfering with Plaintiff’s
`economic relationships and prospective economic advantages with its wholesale
`customers.
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`Plaintiff’s economic relationships and prospective economic
`34.
`advantages with its wholesale customers would have continued but for the
`interference of Defendants.
`35.
`As a proximate result of Defendants’ wrongful conduct and their
`interference with Plaintiff’s customers, Plaintiff has suffered damages in an amount
`to be proven at trial.
`36.
`The aforementioned acts of Defendants were oppressive, fraudulent or
`27 malicious. Plaintiff is, therefore, entitled to punitive damages.
`III
`28
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`CH4LrER NF:\lR
`
`-N59(X)93h3
`COTPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT. ETC.: DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`

`
`Case 2:10cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04128110 Page 9 of 16
`
`37.
`
`I
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`9
`
`10
`
`ii
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`SIXTH CLAIM
`(Breach of Duty of Loyalty Against Micah A. Cohen)
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-14
`above as though set forth in full
`38. While still employed by Plaintiff, Mr. Cohen arranged to have his
`5
`6 mother tile Defendants’ Trademark Application and began designing,
`7 manufacturing and selling a men’s apparel line in direct competition with Plaintiff’s
`existing apparel line. And in doing so, Mr. Cohen utilized the same designs,
`8
`patterns, look, pricing, factories and sales representatives that were used during his
`employment with Plaintiff, and sold to the same wholesale customers to which
`Plaintiff sells and has developed relationships.
`In taking the above actions, Mr. Cohen breached his duty of loyalty
`39.
`toward Plaintiff during his term of employment. He failed to faithfully serve
`Plaintiff during his term of employment by engaging in competing, outside business
`for his own benefit and to the detriment of Plaintiff.
`40. Mr. Cohen’s breach of his duty of loyalty has caused damages to
`Plaintiff, the amount of which will be proven at trial
`41. Mr. Cohen’s aforementioned conduct was intended by him to cause
`injury to Plaintiff or was despicable conduct carried on by him with a willful and
`conscious disregard of the rights of Plaintiff, or subjected Plaintiff to cruel and
`21
`unjust hardship in conscious disregard of Plaintiffs rights or was an intentional
`22 misrepresentation, deceit or concealment of material facts known to Mr. Cohen
`with the intention to deprive Plaintiff of property, legal rights or to otherwise cause
`23
`injury, such as to constitute malice, oppression or fraud under California Civil Code
`section 3294, thereby entitling Plaintiff to punitive damages in an amount
`appropriate to punish or set an example of Mr. Cohen.
`III
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`III
`
`(CHALTER NEMER
`r
`
`HN 590f)93 1v4
`COPLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, ETC. DEMAND FOR .JURY TRIAL
`
`9
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document 1
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page 10 of 16
`
`42.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`ii
`
`SEVENTH CLAIM
`(Declaratory Judgment for Withdrawal of Defendants’
`Trademark Application, inter a/ia, Against All Defendants)
`Plaintiff hereby realleges, repeats and incorporates paragraphs 1-14
`above as though set forth in full
`43.
`An actual, present and justiciable controversy has arisen between
`Plaintiff and Defendants regarding their respective ownership and/or usage of the
`trademark “SHADES OF GREIGE,” Plaintiff’s Trademark Application,
`8
`9 Defendants’ usage of “SHADES OF GREY BY MICAH COHEN” and
`10 Defendants’ Trademark Application.
`44.
`Plaintiff contends that Micah A. Cohen has abandoned any interest that
`he may have had in the trademark “SHADES OF GREIGE” by the manner in
`12
`13 which he left his employment with Plaintiff, his promise not to use “SHADES OF
`14 GREIGE,” and his adoption of a different, though confusingly similar, trademark
`for use in his competing business. Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereupon
`15
`alleges that Defendants contend otherwise.
`Plaintiff contends that Nancy Sidonie Cohen is not the proper
`45.
`applicant for Defendant’s Trademark Application as she never had a bonafide
`intention to use the mark in commerce on the goods identified in Defendants’
`Trademark Application; that the marks “SHADES OF GREY” or “SHADES OF
`20
`21 GREY BY MICAH COHEN” are likely to cause, and have caused, confusion in the
`22 marketplace with Plaintiff’s Trademark “SHADES OF GREIGE;” and that
`23 Defendants’ Trademark Application is void and should be withdrawn and that
`registration must be refused or canceled. Plaintiff is informed and believes and
`24
`thereupon alleges that Defendants contend otherwise.
`46.
`An actual controversy exists between Plaintiff and Defendants with
`respect to their respective rights and duties under the circumstances alleged above,
`and Plaintiff seeks a judicial determination thereof. A judicial determination is
`10
`RN 590U931’v4
`CO1PLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, ETC.; DEIAND FOR .JURY TRIAL
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`31;CHALTER N\IER
`r L
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page II of 16
`
`I
`
`2
`
`3
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`necessary and appropriate at this time under the circumstances in order that the
`parties may ascertain their rights, duties and obligations with respect to their
`competing trademarks and Trademark Applications.
`47.
`Plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment from this Court that
`4
`5 Micah A. Cohen has abandoned any interest that he may have had in the trademark
`6
`“SHADES OF GREIGE” and that Defendants’ Trademark Application for
`“SHADES OF GREY” is void and therefore should be withdrawn and that
`registration must be refused or canceled.
`WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays for judgment against Defendants as follows:
`1.
`For a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent
`injunctions ordering Defendants, their agents, servants, employees, and attorneys,
`and all persons in active concert or participation with it to refrain from using and or
`seeking protection of the name or trademark “SHADES OF GREY” or “SHADES
`14 OF GREY BY MTCAH COHEN” or any other trademark, corporate name or
`tradename comprised in whole or in part of “SHADES OF GREY” or that is
`15
`otherwise confusingly similar to “SHADES OF GREIGE,” using Plaintiff’s
`Trademark, designs, patterns or photographs in order to sell Defendants’ line of
`product, diluting or otherwise injuring the reputation of Plaintiff or its Trademark.
`2.
`For actual and compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at the
`time of trial not less than $100,000.00;
`3.
`For Defendants’ profits and an accounting thereof, pursuant to
`15 U.S.C. § 1117(a);
`4.
`For restitution of all designs, patterns and other items misappropriated
`by Defendants from Plaintiff and disgorgement of profits wrongfully obtained by
`24
`25 Defendants by virtue of their unfair competition and intentional interference with
`economic relations;
`26
`III
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`27
`
`28
`
`/1/
`
`1Ci1ALi ER NFER
`
`13N59U0Y3 I
`(OE1PLAINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT. ETC.; DEMND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`1 1
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv03188DDP-FFM Document 1
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page 12 of 16
`
`5.
`For an order for destruction andlor elimination of all Accused Goods
`and advertising, brochures and other promotional material bearing the words
`“SHADES OF GREY” or “SHADES OF GREY BY MICAH COHEN”;
`6.
`For a declaratory judgment that Micah A. Cohen has abandoned any
`interest that he may have had in the trademark “SHADES OF GREIGE”;
`7.
`For a declaratory judgment that Defendants’ Trademark Application
`for “SHADES OF GREY” (Serial No. 77852023) is void and that registration must
`be refused or cancelled, and for an injunction requiring Defendants to withdraw
`said application;
`For treble damages for trademark infringement and false designation
`
`8.
`
`of origin;
`
`11.
`
`17 DATED:
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`18
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`L ER N EtER
`•
`L’.
`
`9.
`For exemplary and punitive damages against Defendants for their
`intentional interference with economic relations and against for Mr. Cohen for
`breach of his duty of loyalty;
`10.
`For an award of attorneys’ fees and costs as allowed by law; and
`For such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.
`April 28, 2010
`Russell L. Allyn
`Douglas M. Lipstone
`Buchalter Nemer
`
`rofessional Corporation
`
`By:__
`Attom vs for Plaintiff
`SWARM, LLC
`
`1’
`RN 5900931 v4
`(O’ilPLAIT FOR TRADENIARK 1NFRINGETENT. ETC.; DEvIAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`—
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document 1
`
`Filed 04/28/10 Page 13 of 16
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`DEMAN1) FOR JURY TRIAL
`Pursuant to F.R.C.P. 3 8(b), Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by jury in this
`action of any issues triable by jury.
`
`Russell L. Allyn
`Douglas M. Lipstone
`Buchalter Neme
`Professional Corporation
`/1 /
`
`By:
`
`/ I
`(issell LJM1yn
`Attorneys for Plaintiff
`SWARM, LLC
`
`4 DATED:
`5
`
`April 28, 2010
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`‘1
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`RLCHALTLR NEMER
`‘:,.e. TLW
`
`BN590093lv4
`(‘OMPLINT FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT. ETC.; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`3
`
`

`
`Case 2:10-cv-03188-DDP-FFM Document I
`
`FHed 04/28/10 Page 14 of 16
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`CENTRAL IMSTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT TO UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR DISCOVERY
`
`This case has been assigned to District Judge Dean D. Pregerson and the assigned
`discovery Magistrate Judge is Frederick F. Mumm.
`
`The case number on all documents filed with the Court should read as follows:
`
`CV1O- 3188 DDP (FFMx)
`
`Pursuant to General Order 05-07 of the United States District Court for the Central
`District of California, the Magistrate Judge has been designated to hear discovery related
`motions.
`
`All discovery related motions should be noticed on the calendar of the Magistrate Judge
`
`NOTICE TO COUNSEL
`
`A copy of this notice must be served with the summons and complaint on all defendants (if a removal action is
`filed, a copy of this notice must be served on all plaintiffs).
`
`Subsequent documents must be filed at the following location:
`
`[X] Western Division
`312 N. Spring St., Rm. G-8
`Los Angeles, CA 90012
`
`Southern Division
`411 West Fourth St., Rm. 1-053
`Santa Ana, CA 92701-4516
`
`u Eastern Division
`
`3470 Twelfth St., Rm. 134
`Riverside, CA 92501
`
`Failure to file at the proper location Will result in your documents being returned to you.
`
`CV-18 (03/06)
`
`NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT TO UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR DISCOVERY
`
`

`
`Case
`
`fCoP,f1jL j
`
`CIVIL COVER SHEET
`
`21(9A9Nt of 16
`
`I (a) PLAINTIFFS (Check box. if you are representing yourself Q
`SWARM, LLC, a California limited liability company, dba
`Shades of Greige
`
`DEFENDANTS
`
`MICAH A. COHEN, an individual, dba Shades of Grey by Micah
`Cohen; and NANCY SIDONIE COHEN, an individual
`
`Attorneys (If Known)
`
`(b) Attorneys ( Firm Name. Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing
`yourself, provide same.)
`Russell L. Allyn (SBN: 143531), ral1yn@buchalter.com
`Douglas M. Lipstone (SBN: 141104); dlipstone@buchalter.com
`BUCHALTER NEMER, A Professional Corporation
`1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
`L,os Angeles, CA 90017-2457
`Telephone: (213) 891-0700; Facsimile: (213) 896-0400
`II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in one box Only.)
`III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES - For Diversity Cases Only
`(Place an X in one box for plaintiff and one for defendant.)
`
`El 1 U.S. Government Plaintiff 0 3 Federal Question (U.S.
`Government Not a Party
`
`Citizen of This State
`
`0 2 U.S. Government Defendant
`
`4 Diversity (Indicate Citizenship Citisen of Another State
`of Parties in Item Ill)
`
`PTF DEF
`0 I 0 1
`
`El 2 El 2
`
`p DEF
`4
`4
`
`Incorporated or Principal Place
`of Business in this State
`Incorporated and Principal Place fl5 Q 5
`of Business in Another State
`
`IV. ORIGIN (Place an X in one box only.)
`0 1 Original
`0 2 Removed from Q 3 Remanded from Q 4 Reinstated or Q 5 Transferred from another district (specify): 0 6 Multi- Q 7 Appeal to District
`Proceeding
`State Court
`Appellate Court
`Reopened
`District
`Judge from
`Litigation
`Magistrate Judge
`
`Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Country 0 3 [] 3
`
`Foreign Nation
`
`Q 6 El 6
`
`V. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: JURY DEMAND:
`Yes Q No (Check Yes only if demanded in complaint.)
`CLASS ACTION under F.R.C.P. 23:0 Yes
`No
`0 MONEY DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT: $
`til. CAUSE OF ACTION (Cite the U. S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and write a brief statement of cause. Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity.)
`15 U.S.C. § 1125 Trademark infringement; false designation of origin; unfair competition
`VIL NATURE OF SUIT (Place an X in one box only.)
`I
`
`.
`
`OTHER STATUTES
`CONTRACT
`TORTS
`TORTS
`PRISONER
`LABOR
`PERSONAL INJURY
`0 400 State Reapportionment
`PERSONAL
`PETITIONS
`110 Insurance
`0 710 Fair Labor Standards
`PROPERTY
`El 310 Airplane
`0 410 Antitrust
`:i 510 Motions to Vacate
`120 Marine
`Act
`315 Airplane Product El 370 Other Fraud
`0 430 Banks and Banking
`Sentence Habeas
`130 Miller Act
`720 Labor/Mgmt.
`I
`El 371 Truth in Lending
`Liability
`0 450 Commerce/ICC
`Corpus
`El 140 Negotiable Instrument
`Relations
`El
`0 320 Assault, Libel & 0 380 Other Personal
`530 General
`Rates/etc.
`0 150 Recovery of
`El 730 Labor/Mgmt.
`Property Damage : 535 Death Penalty
`Slander
`0 460 Deportation
`Overpayment &
`Reporting &
`:i 330 Fed. Employers’ 0 385 Property Damage 0 540 Mandamusl
`0 470 Racketeer Influenced
`Enforcement of
`Disclosure Act
`Liability
`Product Liability
`Judgment
`0 740 Railway Labor Act
`Other
`and Corrupt
`0 340 Marine
`] 151 Medicare Act
`: 550 Civil Rights
`BANKRUPTCY
`Organizations
`0 790 Other Labor
`22 Appeal 28 USC El 555 Prison Condition
`0 152 Recovery of Defaulted 0 345 Marine Product
`480 Consumer Credit
`Litigation
`158
`Liability
`0 490 Cable/Sat TV
`Student Loan (ExcI.
`FORFEfI’URE/ 0 791 EmpI. Ret. Inc.
`423 Withdrawal 28
`Q 350 Motor Vehicle
`Veterans)
`El 810 Selective Service
`Security Act
`PENALTY
`ID 355 Motor Vehicle
`USC 157
`153 Recovery of
`PROPERTY RIGI-ITS
`El 850 Securities/Commoditie

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