throbber
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. httgj/estta.usQto.gov
`Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. http://estta.uspto.gov
`ESTTA576250
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`12/12/2013
`
`
`
`Filing date:
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`91204168
`91204168
`Plaintiff
`Plaintiff
`International Medcom, Inc.
`International Medcom, Inc.
`JULIA SPOOR GARD
`JULIA SPOOR GARD
`BARNES THORNBURG LLP
`BARNES THORNBURG LLP
`11 SOUTH MERIDIAN STREET
`11 SOUTH MERIDIAN STREET
`INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204
`INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204
`UNITED STATES
`UNITED STATES
`jgard@btlaw.com, bmcginnis@btlaw.com, tmindocket@btlaw.com
`jgard@bt|aw.com, bmcginnis@bt|aw.com, tmindocket@bt|aw.com
`Response to Board Order/Inquiry
`Response to Board Order/Inquiry
`Brian J. McGinnis
`Brian J. McGinnis
`bmcginnis@btlaw.com, tmindocket@btlaw.com
`bmcginnis@bt|aw.com, tmindocket@bt|aw.com
`/bmcginnis/
`lbmcginnisl
`12/12/2013
`12/12/2013
`Int'l Medcom v. SEI - Filed Complaint (Doc 1).pdf(813431 bytes )
`|nt'| Medcom v. SEI — Filed Complaint (Doc 1).pdf(813431 bytes )
`
`
`
`Proceeding
`Party
`
`Correspondence
`Address
`
`Submission
`Filer's Name
`Filer's e-mail
`Signature
`Date
`Attachments
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page1 of 27
`
`Carlton J. Willey (CA Bar No. 269120)
`WILLEY & BENT ALEB LLP
`One Market Street, Steuart Tower Suite 500
`San Francisco, CA 94105
`Phone: ( 415) 426-7111
`Fax: (415) 276-1737
`Carlton@WBLawPartners.com
`
`Attorney for Plaintiff
`International Medcom, Inc.
`
`sef
`X FILED
`NOV - 6 2013
`
`RICHAAO W. WIEKING
`N CLERK, U.S. DISTRICT COURT
`ORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION
`
`INTERNATIONAL MEDCOM.INC.,
`a California Corporation;
`
`! me· 1a 5193/
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`vs.
`
`S.E. INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
`a Tennessee Corporation;
`
`Defendant.
`
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`___________________________)
`
`I
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND
`FOR:
`1) BREACH OF CONTRACT
`(NONPAYMENT OF ROYA
`2) BREACH OF CONTRACT
`(TRADEMARK OWNERSHIP
`RIGHTS)
`3) BREACH OF CONTRACT
`(FAILURE TO DELIVER)
`4) BREACH OF CONTRACT
`(FAILURE TO ARBITRATE)
`5) BREACH OF CONTRACT
`(WRONGFUL USE OF
`PROPRIETARY INFORMATION)
`6) LANHAM ACT§ 43(A) UNFAIR
`COMPETITION
`7) CALIFORNIA COMMON LAW
`TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
`8) CAL. BUS. & PROF. CODE§
`17200 UNFAIR BUSINESS
`PRACTICES AND UNFAIR
`COMPETITION
`9) DECLARATORY JUDGMENT
`10) BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
`
`AND MOTION TO COMPEL
`ARBITRATION
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`~
`X m
`0
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page2 of 27
`
`Plaintifflnternational Medcom, Inc. ("IM" or "Plaintiff') hereby petitions the Court to
`
`I
`
`II
`
`compel arbitration pursuant to agreement and Federal and California state law, and complains anf
`
`alleges as follows:
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`II
`
`I
`
`1.
`
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332( ),
`
`as the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, and Plaintiff and Defendant are citizens !of
`
`I
`I
`
`different states. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Plaintiff's state law clai s
`
`i
`
`pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`This Court also has subject matter jurisdiction over the matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 13
`
`as this matter arises under Federal Trademark law.
`
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over the defendant in this matter, as the transacti 'ns
`
`and occurrences that are the subject matter of this Complaint arose out of Defendan 's
`
`business relations and transactions with Plaintiff in California, as described here n.
`
`Defendant's contacts with Plaintiff in California were purposeful and substantial, such t;at
`
`Defendant should reasonably anticipate being called into court in California. Specifical y,
`
`the contract mentioned herein were made by Defendant with Plaintiff, a company do .i g
`
`business in Sebastopol, California.
`
`4.
`
`Venue is proper in the Northern District of California pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 13 1,
`
`because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to this Complaint occu ed
`
`I
`
`in Sonoma County, California.
`
`THE INTRADISTRICT ASSIGNMENT
`
`II
`
`I
`
`!i
`
`li
`
`II
`
`5.
`
`Pursuant to Civil. L.R. 3-2( d), this case is suitable for assignment in the San Francisco'1 or
`
`Oakland divisions, because a substantial amount of the events and omissions giving risel to
`I
`I
`
`this action occurred in Sonoma County, California.
`
`6.
`
`Plaintiff International Medcom, Inc. ("IM" or "Plaintiff') is a California Corporation
`
`headquarters at 103 Morris Street, Suite A5, Sebastopol, CA 95472 in Sonoma County.
`
`PARTIES
`
`II
`
`II
`
`I
`
`ith
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`2
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page3 of 27
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`10.
`
`Defendant S.E. International, Inc. ("SEI" or "Defendant") is a Tennessee Corporation w th
`
`headquarters at 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483.
`
`GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
`
`Founded in 1986, Plaintiff International Medcom, Inc. is in the business of developi g,
`
`producing, and marketing high quality radiation detection instruments and systems.
`
`Defendant S.E. International, Inc. is a manufacturer of radiation detection instruments.
`
`In May I991, IM and SEI jointly endeavored to develop and bring to market a radiati n
`
`contamination monitor, which they named "Inspector." They memorialized their agreem nt
`
`to this effect in writing. A true and accurate copy of that agreement (the
`
`Agreement") is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is incorporated by reference.
`
`11.
`
`Under the Inspector Agreement, IM' s contribution to the endeavor was to be an "ini ial
`
`cash investment, additional market research, electronic and mechanical design, engineer g
`
`and the custom enclosure," while SEI was to contribute "its technical expertise, mar et
`
`research, an
`
`initial cash
`
`investment
`
`for development, marketing,
`
`tooling,
`
`1nd
`
`manufacturing." Exhibit A, p. 2.
`
`12.
`
`Although IM and SEI each had specified capital and labor contributions to the developm nt
`
`and manufacture of the Investor product, the contract contemplated parallel production
`
`sales of the product by both companies.
`
`13.
`
`The Inspector Agreement specifically provides for quarterly royalty payments of 10% of
`
`average selling price per unit on the number of instruments either company sells in exc ss
`
`of the other company, to be made by the company whose sales exceed those of the ot er
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`company in any given quarter. Ex. A., p. 4.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`14.
`
`The Inspector Agreement provides that both companies would maintain sales and paymfnt
`
`records, and that all such records would be made "open to review by either party." Ex.IA,
`
`p. 4.
`
`I
`,I
`II
`
`15.
`
`Since the Third Quarter of 20 II, IM has received no royalty payments from SEI, or recofds
`
`ofsales.
`
`1
`
`16.
`
`The Inspector Agreement also contemplates ownership rights of intellectual
`
`3
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page4 of 27
`
`relating to the Inspector product. The contract states, "SEI reserves the right to tradem k
`
`I
`
`the name 'Inspector' but will allow IM to use the name on this product." Ex. A, p. 4.
`
`17.
`
`18.
`
`Further, the Inspector Agreement states unequivocally that with regard to ownership
`
`f
`
`i
`intellectual property rights, "The rights to the Inspector will be jointly owned by S I
`
`and IM." Ex. A, p. 5 (emphasis added).
`With regard to rights to other aspects of the Inspector aside from the name, the Inspec~or
`Agreement clarifies that "Any proprietary design, software programming, and tooling for
`
`,i
`
`the custom enclosure are owned exclusively by IM. SEI will be prohibited from using itl]in
`
`I!
`
`11
`
`
`
`II
`
`future products without the agreement ofiM." Ex. A, p. 4.
`
`19.
`
`The Inspector Agreement also contemplated a scenario where SEI as manufacturer wo ld
`
`supply the Inspector product upon the purchase orders ofiM. The Agreement provides," s
`
`a manufacturer, SEI agrees to supply the Inspector in a manner that is necessary to m et
`
`demand, maintain quality and market competitiveness." Another clause says SEI will "G ve
`
`i
`
`1M's purchase orders equal priority when assigning fulfillment of orders." Ex. A, p. 3.
`
`,I
`
`l1
`
`20.
`
`However, beginning in Third Quarter 2011 SEI delayed delivery of 1M's Spring 2 111
`
`purchase orders for the Inspector product for approximately 7 months, causing damagel to
`
`!
`
`IM.
`
`21.
`
`Under the plain language of the Inspector Agreement, the contract would "continue in
`
`force and effect and can only be terminated or changed by mutual agreement of SEI
`
`IM."
`
`22.
`
`Finally, the Inspector Agreement provides for mandatory arbitration should a dispute ar se:
`
`"In the unlikely event of an unreconcilable [sic] dispute, both parties agree to appoint an
`
`impartial arbitrator or arbitrators within 30 days. The cost of arbitration will be equ lly
`
`shared by both parties and the decision ofthe arbitrator(s) will be binding." Ex. A, p. 5.
`
`23.
`
`For more than 20 years, IM and SEI each independently produced and sold the Inspe~tor
`
`'I
`
`i!
`
`product under that name, and regularly continued royalty payments where
`
`though those payments have never been audited by either company.
`
`24.
`
`However, on July 30, 2011, Dan Sythe of IM wrote Susan Skinner of SEI to express I .
`
`4
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page5 of 27
`
`concern with SEI's business practices, including but not limited to predatory pricing on t ,e
`
`part of SEI with regard to the Inspector product, aimed at driving down IM sales there
`
`.
`
`Mr. Sythe expressed that the business relationship between the two companies was "n t
`
`currently working" and set forth a list of proposals to modify the relationship goi g
`
`!
`
`incorporated by reference.
`
`ii
`
`
`forward. A true and accurate copy of that email is attached hereto as Exhibit B and i11s
`I
`t
`
`25.
`
`Two months later, on September 23, 2011, Ms. Skinner replied to Mr. Sythe, stating t
`
`the business relationship "was no longer serving us." She asserted that she w s
`
`i
`
`"terminating" SEI's business relationship with IM through her letter, and unilatera. y
`
`claimed that "if the [Inspector Agreement] document defines a binding agreement betwe n
`
`I
`
`SEI and IM, IM has materially breached that agreement." Ms. Skinner also claimed t at
`SEI owned all rights to the Inspector trademark, and ordered that IM cease all use of ~e
`mark in branding its products. A true and accurate copy of that email is attached hereto lias
`
`jl
`
`Exhibit C and is incorporated by reference.
`
`i
`
`26.
`
`On October 13,2011, IM responded to SEI's claims of breach and termination. Noting t at
`
`I
`
`it was clear the relationship was at an impasse, IM again proposed a set of terms or
`
`winding down the relationship in a mutually agreeable way. IM proposed that it would h ve
`
`the right to audit SEI' s records to determine royalties due and owing to IM, that both part es
`
`would discontinue use of the "Inspector" mark after two years, and that SEI wo ld
`
`discontinue use of all of IM's proprietary technology (product design, software, ,nd
`I
`tooling) after that time, among other terms.
`In an October 24, 2011 response, SEI claimed that any agreements with IM pertainin~ to
`the "Inspector" product have ended, and that IM must cease any further use of the m1rk,
`
`II
`
`27.
`
`I
`
`and should expeditiously re-brand its product to avoid confusion on the market. SEI J1so
`
`claimed that it had paid all monies due to IM, and denied that it was using any aspectJ of
`
`the "Inspector" product design that can be considered proprietary to IM, based solely
`
`!i'
`
`'n a
`
`lack of documents that support the existence of any such proprietary technology. In o 'her
`
`I
`
`words, SEI claimed that because IM had no documentation proving ownership o . its
`
`5
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page6 of 27
`
`intellectual property, SEI was free to use it.
`In a December 7, 20 II response, IM stated in no uncertain terms that it maintains the ri~ht
`to use the mark "Inspector" for its products, and that nothing in the Inspector Agreemtnt
`
`I
`
`,,
`
`gives SEI exclusive rights in that name. Further, IM pointed out specific proprietfry
`technology belonging to IM that SEI was unlawfully using and continues to use with~ut
`permission, including the following:
`
`I,
`
`,,
`
`• The electronics [of the Inspector] are all designed by IM. Although SEI 4id
`
`,,
`
`some printed circuit board design under 1M's supervision, the electronifs,
`
`the functions, the overall printed circuit board and electronic design ire
`I
`
`proprietary and owned by IM.
`
`il ,,
`
`• The user interface and physical layout of the [Inspector] instrument is basfd
`
`on 1M's Radalert 50, is a variant of that tooling, and is proprietary apd
`
`,I
`
`owned by IM. This includes the switch functions and position, and Iay4ut
`relative to the detector and display. The interface to headphones a~d
`computers/data loggers is an IM invention, first utilized in the Radalert ~0,
`and a proprietary feature owned by IM.
`• The input jack for electronic calibration [on the Inspector] is an I~
`I
`
`il
`li
`li
`
`,!,
`
`proprietary feature.
`
`• The push button switches on the end panel [of the Inspector] for setting altrt
`
`and timer features were designed and created by IM and are considered to e
`
`proprietary.
`
`II
`
`[1
`,,
`,,
`
`• The custom LCD [on the Inspector] is proprietary to IM.
`
`j'1
`• The microprocessor/software system design, pin assignments, power savi
`g
`
`1
`
`technology, and software algorithms [ofthe Inspector] are proprietary to I
`
`.
`
`1
`
`!,
`,,
`
`• The digital calibration procedure [on
`
`the Inspector] for
`
`technician exposure is an IM innovation and proprietary to IM.
`
`minimizi~g
`I
`
`II
`
`I!
`'I
`I
`
`IM thus demanded compensation from SEI for SEI's use of this proprietary technology, b t
`
`to date has received none.
`
`6
`
`28.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN fRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page7 of 27
`
`29.
`
`30.
`
`31.
`
`32.
`
`33.
`
`34.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`Finally, IM stated unequivocally, "If the foregoing is not acceptable, then IM her , y
`
`demands that the matter be submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to the arbitrati n
`clause in the May 23, 1991 Agreement. Neither the forum nor the procedure for selecti~g
`
`il
`
`i
`I
`
`arbitrator(s) is specified in that Agreement. IM proposes that the arbitration take place it a
`neutral forum before a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Commerc~al
`
`II
`
`Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Prior to actually commencipg
`
`arbitration, IM proposes that the parties participate in a non-binding mediation with AAAl"
`
`On January 17, 2012, SEI replied to IM, and claimed again that it owned the exclusi~e
`
`II
`
`rights to the name "Inspector," and that IM was only permitted to use the mark during
`
`e
`
`collaboration between SEI and IM an in INSPECTOR-branded product. SEI claimed t at
`
`I
`
`that collaboration has ended and that SEI would therefore continue to pursue and protect ts
`
`exclusive rights in the INSPECTOR mark. As to 1M's specified proprietary informatiqn,
`
`:!
`
`SEI claimed that anything it was using was either in the public domain and/or represe1ts
`
`II
`
`general technical knowledge, and therefore SEI claimed it owed IM nothing for using t+s
`
`information. Finally, SEI stated that it declines 1M's proposal for arbitration or mediation. I
`
`On August 3, 2011, SEI applied to register the mark "Inspector" in connection w· h
`
`I
`
`i
`
`radiation detectors, and alleged a date of first use in commerce of June 30, 1995.
`
`n
`
`January 12, 2012, that application was published, and on March 5, 2012, IM filed
`
`ts
`
`Opposition to SEI's trademark application. That matter is still pending in the United Sta+s
`
`Patent and Trademark Office as of the date of this filing, and counsel for IM has requeste~l, a
`
`il
`
`!! ,,
`
`stay on those proceedings pending the outcome of this lawsuit.
`As a joint owner of the rights to the "Inspector" name, IM has never permitted t'>
`authorized SEI's unilateral application to register a trademark.
`
`1
`
`:
`
`li
`
`SEI is therefore seeking to unilaterally control the "Inspector" trademark that is jointly
`
`owned by SEI and IM, and is purporting to exercise exclusive control over that trademafk
`
`II
`
`I
`
`to the detriment ofiM.
`
`II
`I!
`
`i'
`
`IM has used the name "Inspector" in interstate commerce at least as early as March l99r,
`
`'I
`
`long prior to both the date that SEI filed its application, and the date that SEI has asserted s
`
`7
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page8 of 27
`
`its date of first use. Upon information and belief, SEI has no rights in the "Inspector" m rk
`
`I
`
`prior to IM' s rights in the mark.
`
`35.
`
`As a result of the quality and excellence of 1M's goods, the widespread association of e
`
`"Inspector" trademark with IM in the minds of the relevant public, and as a result of
`
`I
`
`continuous and extensive use of the "Inspector" mark, IM established substantial rights in
`
`the "Inspector" mark long prior to SEI's filing of its application to register the "Inspect
`
`trademark.
`
`36.
`
`Through its long-term use of the "Inspector" trademark, IM has developed substant al
`
`goodwill in that trademark.
`
`37.
`
`1M's "Inspector" trademark has acquired distinctiveness and substantial secondary meani g
`
`in the minds of relevant consumers.
`
`I
`
`I
`
`'I
`
`IM is widely recognized as a source of origin of radiation detectors marketed and s4ld
`I
`under the "Inspector" trademark.
`SEI's goods are marketed to the same consumers through the same channels of trade ~s
`1M's goods.
`
`1 /
`
`1
`
`38.
`
`39.
`
`,I
`
`40.
`
`If SEI and IM are not joint owners of the mark, then SEI' s use of the "Inspector" tradem"fk
`
`!I
`
`is likely to create confusion among relevant consumers as to the source or origin of t e
`
`'I
`
`goods.
`
`41.
`
`SEI' s purported exclusive use of the "Inspector" trademark is likely to cause confusion, r
`
`to cause mistake, or to deceive, as relevant consumers are likely to mistakenly believe t ' t
`
`,I
`
`SEI is the exclusive owner of the "Inspector" trademark and the
`
`provider of radiation detector goods under the "Inspector" trademark.
`
`42.
`
`SEI's registration of the "Inspector" trademark would be deceptive within the meaning f
`
`Section 2(a) ofthe Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1052(a).
`
`43.
`
`SEI's registration and/or exclusive use of the "Inspector" trademark would adversely affe t
`
`1M's business and irreparably damage the substantial goodwill IM has cultivated via · s
`
`!
`
`long-term use of its trademark.
`
`I
`
`44.
`
`As a result of SEI's conduct alleged herein, IM has been damaged in an amount to e
`
`8
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page9 of 27
`
`determined at trial, but exceeding $600,000.
`
`FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Contract (Nonpayment of Royalties)
`
`Plaintiffhereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`II
`
`I
`
`I
`
`Under the Inspector Agreement, SEI was obligated to make quarterly royalty payments II to
`
`IM where its Inspector sales surpassed those of IM.
`
`SEI has failed to make royalty payments to IM from the third quarter of 20 II to the prese t.
`
`Upon information and belief, in every quarter from the third quarter of 20 II to the prese t,
`
`I
`
`SEI sales of the Inspector product have surpassed those of IM.
`
`All conditions necessary to trigger SEI's obligation to pay royalties to IM have b en
`
`satisfied.
`
`I
`i
`
`SEI's failure to make the required royalty payments to IM was without
`
`excuse lor
`
`justification.
`
`I
`
`i
`
`As a result of SEI's failure to make royalty payments to IM, IM has been damaged in
`
`amount to be determined at trial.
`
`SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Contract (Trademark Ownership Rights)
`
`Plaintiffhereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`The Inspector Agreement provides that all rights to the Inspector product are jointly ow d
`
`by SEI and IM, and that SEI and IM will jointly be permitted to use the tradem rk
`
`!
`
`"Inspector" in connection with this radiation detector. The contract therefore imposes 1 n
`
`"
`
`I
`
`1r
`
`obligation upon SEI and IM to permit each other to continue using the "Inspect
`
`45.
`
`46.
`
`47.
`
`48.
`
`49.
`
`50.
`
`51.
`
`52.
`
`53.
`
`trademark and refrain from efforts to prevent the exercise of joint ownership rights in
`~~~
`
`e
`I
`
`!i
`
`54.
`
`"
`Without excuse or justification, SEI has breached this contractual obligation by attemptipg
`
`to revoke 1M's right to use the "Inspector" trademark, and by purporting to exercjse
`
`exclusive rights thereto, as alleged herein.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`2 o
`
`21
`
`22
`
`2 3
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`55.
`
`As a result of SEI' s conduct, IM has been damaged in an amount to be determined at trial 1
`
`9
`
`I
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page10 of 27
`
`THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Contract (Failure to Deliver)
`
`56.
`
`57.
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`ii
`I ~
`The Inspector Agreement obligates SEI to supply and deliver the Inspector product to I~
`
`upon IM submitting purchase orders, in order for IM to fulfill its own sales orders of tte
`~~
`I
`IM submitted purchase orders in March 2011, but SEI delayed fulfillment and delivery pf
`
`58.
`
`those orders to IM for approximately 7 months, eventually forcing IM to cancel the ordersj
`
`'i
`',,
`
`59.
`
`As a result of SEI's delay in shipment, IM was damaged in an amount to be determined ~t
`
`'I
`
`trial.
`
`FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Contract (Failure to Arbitrate)
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`The Inspector Agreement contains a mandatory arbitration clause.
`
`li
`
`11
`
`II
`
`li
`
`IM has demanded arbitration of the dispute between IM and SEI pursuant to the arbitrati+
`
`clause.
`
`SEI has refused to submit to arbitration as demanded by IM,
`
`As a result, IM has been damaged in an amount to be determined at trial.
`
`FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Contract (Wrongful Use of Proprietary Information)
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`11
`1
`
`I
`
`,
`
`i'
`
`The Inspector Agreement prohibits SEI from using 1M's proprietary information in othtr
`
`products.
`SEI used 1M's proprietary information without 1M's consent on products other than t~e
`
`il
`
`II
`
`"Inspector" product, including but not limited to SEI's "Digilert" product.
`As a result of SEI's use of 1M's proprietary information, IM has been damaged in Jb
`. d
`. I
`b d
`amount to e etermme at tna .
`
`I!
`
`I,
`
`60.
`
`61.
`
`62.
`
`63.
`
`64.
`
`65.
`
`66.
`
`67.
`
`68.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`10
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page11 of 27
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Unfair Competition in Violation of Lanham Act§ 43(a)
`
`69.
`
`70.
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`IM has a protectable ownership interest in the "Inspector" trademark that predates a1y
`
`interest of SEI in that trademark.
`
`II
`
`71.
`
`SEI's use of the "Inspector" trademark has caused and will continue to cause consumrr
`
`72.
`
`73.
`
`74.
`
`75.
`
`confusion between 1M's trademark and SEI's infringing mark.
`
`:1
`
`As a result of SEI's conduct, IM has been damaged in an amount to be determined at triai.il
`
`',
`
`SEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`California Common Law Trademark Infringement
`
`Plaintiffhereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`;'
`
`li
`
`I
`
`II
`
`ii
`
`IM has a protectable ownership interest in the "Inspector" trademark that predates a+y
`
`interest of SEI in that trademark.
`
`I!
`
`SEI's use of the "Inspector" trademark has caused and will continue to cause consu+r
`I
`
`confusion between 1M's trademark and SEI's infringing mark.
`
`76.
`
`As a result of SEI 's conduct, IM has been damaged in an amount to be determined at trial
`
`EIGHTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Unfair Business Practices and Unfair Competition
`
`in Violation of Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code § 17200 et seq.
`
`77.
`
`78.
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`Defendant engaged in the following unfair business practices, unlawful and/or fraudul9nt
`
`conduct:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`Breach of contract, as alleged herein
`
`Unfair competition and trademark infringement, as alleged herein
`Wrongful use ofiM's proprietary information without 1M's consent, as alle~d
`herein
`
`79.
`
`The conduct of SEI, as alleged above, constitutes unlawful, unfair and fraudulent busin 1 ss
`
`acts and practices prohibited by Business and Professions Code section 17200, and s id
`
`11
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page12 of 27
`
`unlawful, unfair and fraudulent conduct directly harmed IM.
`
`80.
`
`As a direct and proximate result of SEI's unlawful activities, IM has suffered damages, aqd
`
`SEI has reaped unfair economic benefits, in an amount to be proven at trial.
`
`NINTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Declaratory Judgment
`
`81.
`
`82.
`
`83.
`
`84.
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`I
`SEI claims that the Inspector Agreement has somehow ceased to be in effect. IM conten~s
`
`:!
`
`that the Inspector Agreement is still in effect.
`
`IM contends that SEI has breached the Inspector Agreement by failing to pay royalties aJd
`engaging in unlawful exercise of exclusivity rights over the "Inspector" mark. A cloud ~f
`suspicion remains as to whether IM, SEI, or both can continue to lawfully utilize that mar~.
`An actual, justiciable controversy therefore exists as to each of the following issues:
`
`I!
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`d.
`
`Whether the Inspector Agreement is still in effect
`
`Whether SEI has breached the Inspector Agreement
`
`Whether IM has a valid protectable interest in the name "Inspector"
`
`Whether SEI and IM are joint owners of the "Inspector" mark
`
`85.
`
`Declaratory judgment is necessary to terminate the controversy and clarify the legal rig its
`
`ofthe parties.
`
`TENTH CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Breach of Fiduciary Duty
`
`Plaintiff hereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`il ,,
`
`~~;
`
`I
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`86.
`
`87.
`
`88.
`
`As joint venturers who endeavored to develop and produce the Inspector product, SEI ow. d
`a fiduciary duty to IM to act with the utmost good faith for the benefit of IM, including tfut
`not limited to a duty of undivided loyalty that prohibited SEI from undertaking pr
`
`I'
`
`j!
`
`By endeavoring to exercise exclusive rights over the "Inspector" mark to the detriment 11
`
`participating in activities adverse to the interests of IM.
`
`I'
`
`'. d
`
`exclusion oflM, and by copying 1M's inspector logo, SEI breached its fiduciary duty to I
`
`.
`
`89.
`
`As a direct and proximate result of SEI's breach of its fiduciary duty, IM suffered dama s
`
`12
`
`WILLEY&
`BENTALEB LLP
`SAN fRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page13 of 27
`
`in an amount to be determined at trial.
`
`MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`Plaintiffhereby incorporates all of the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.
`
`The Inspector Agreement contemplates interstate commerce, as well as commerte
`
`occurring in the State of California.
`
`The Inspector Agreement contains a mandatory arbitration clause.
`
`,;
`I
`
`!'
`
`I
`
`IM has demanded arbitration of the dispute between IM and SEI pursuant to the arbitrati1n
`
`clause.
`
`SEI has refused to submit to arbitration as demanded by IM.
`
`i'
`I
`
`I' I I
`
`I
`
`Pursuant to 9 U.S.C. § 4 and Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1281.2, IM hereby moves the Court tpr
`
`90.
`
`91.
`
`92.
`
`93.
`
`94.
`
`95.
`
`an Order compelling arbitration of this matter.
`
`JURY DEMAND
`
`Plaintiff demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
`
`PRAYER FOR RELIEF
`
`WHEREFORE, Plaintiff seeks relief against Defendant as follows:
`
`',
`
`1:
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`For general damages according to proof;
`
`For special damages according to proof;
`
`For statutory pre-judgment interest at the legal rate;
`
`For restitution and/or disgorgement of ill-gotten gains pursuant to Cal. B+.
`
`& Prof. Code§ 17200 et seq.;
`
`li
`
`For declaratory judgment that (1) the Inspector Agreement remains in effe4t;
`(2) SEI has materially breached the Inspector Agreement; (3) IM has a vali~,
`
`I'
`
`protectable interest in the "Inspector" mark; and ( 4) SEI and IM are joirt
`
`!
`
`owners of the "Inspector" mark;
`
`' I
`For an Order enjoining (1) any further attempt by SEI to register tte
`"Inspector" trademark without the written permission and approval of I~;
`
`and (2) any other further attempt by SEI to prevent IM from using tte
`
`"Inspector" mark;
`
`13
`
`I
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN fRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page14 of 27
`
`For attorney's fees pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117, and all other applica~e
`
`I
`
`i
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`law; and
`
`For other just and equitable relief as deemed appropriate by the Court.
`
`Respectfully Submitted,
`
`DATED: NOVEMBER 6, 2013
`
`Is/ Carlton J Willey
`
`Carlton J. Willey (269120)
`WILLEY & BENT ALEB LLP
`One Market Street, Steuart Tower, Suite 500
`San Francisco, CA 94105
`Phone: (415) 426-7111
`Fax: (415) 276-1737
`Carlton@WBLawPartners.com
`
`Attorney for Plaintiff
`International Medcom, Inc.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`28
`
`WILLEY&
`BENT ALEB LLP
`SAN FRANCISCO
`
`COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND AND MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION
`
`14
`
`

`
`Case3:13-cv-05193-LB Document1 Filed11/06/13 Page15 of 27
`Case3:13—cv—@93—LB Documentl Filedll/O6/J§QPage15 of 27
`
`EXHIBIT A
`EXHI

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