Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. https://estta.uspto.gov
`
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`
`ESTTA1152729
`
`Filing date:
`
`08/11/2021
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`Proceeding
`
`92065905
`
`Party
`
`Correspondence
`Address
`
`Plaintiff
`Joseph Valenti
`
`PHILLIP THOMAS HORTON
`HORTON LAW PLLC
`736 WEST STATE STREET F301
`FARMINGTON, UT 84025
`UNITED STATES
`Primary Email: RavenholtLitigation@gmail.com
`Secondary Email(s): Horton.PhillipT@gmail.com
`617-721-6205
`
`Submission
`
`Filer's Name
`
`Filer's email
`
`Signature
`
`Date
`
`Attachments
`
`Other Motions/Submissions
`
`Phillip Thomas Horton
`
`RavenholtLitigation@gmail.com
`
`/Phillip Thomas Horton/
`
`08/11/2021
`
`1_ESTTA_NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION.pdf(5932933 bytes )
`90_ESTTA_NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION.pdf(4731843 bytes )
`103_ESTTA_NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION.pdf(5293461 bytes )
`
`

`

`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`In the matter of trademark Registration No. 4,973,167
`
`For the mark RAVENHOLT
`
`Registered on June 07, 2016
`
`
`
`Joseph Valenti,
`
`
`
`v.
`
`Petitioner,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Cancellation No. 92065905
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`Annemarie Tyler,
`
`11
`
`
`
`Defendant.
`
`12
`
`13
`
`NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION, CASE 1:21-CV-11302
`
`Petitioners Joseph Valenti (“Valenti”) and NERO International Holding Co., Inc., (“NIHC”)
`
`14
`
`(Collectively, the “Petitioners”) hereby files this Notice of Civil Action, Case 1:21-cv-11302 for the above-
`
`15
`
`referenced opposition proceeding (the “Proceeding”). Petitioner’s wish to notify the Board that on
`
`16
`
`August 11, 2021, civil action has been filed against Defendant, Annemarie Tyler (“Defendant”) as Case
`
`17
`
`1:21-cv-11302 (Exhibit A). Since Petitioner’s have filed civil action against Defendant and since the issues
`
`18
`
`of said civil action will be dispositive and/or impact the current Proceedings, Petitioner’s ask the Board
`
`Horton Law
`
`19
`
`to use its discretion to suspend the Proceedings.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`21
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Date: 08/11/2021
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`
`
`HORTON LAW
`
`By:
`
`/Phillip Thomas Horton/
`Phillip Thomas Horton, Esq.
`Horton Law
`Po Box 189
`Candor, NC 27229
`Phone/Fax: 617-721-6205
`Email: RAVENHOLTLitigation@gmail.com
`
`Attorney for Petitioner
`
`
`
`PAGE 1 OF 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
`
`
`
`I, Phillip Thomas Horton, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing
`
`NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION, CASE 1:21-CV-11302
`
`was served upon Defendant’s attorney by electronic mail at the following address:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Date: 08/11/2021
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`uspto@tm4smallbiz.com
`erik@erikpelton.com
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HORTON LAW
`
`By:
`
`/Phillip Thomas Horton/
`Phillip Thomas Horton, Esq.
`Horton Law, PLLC
`PO Box 189
`Candor, NC 27229
`Phone/Fax: 617-721-6205
`Email: RAVENHOLTLitigation@gmail.com
`Attorney for Petitioner
`
`PAGE 2 OF 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`23
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`27
`
`Horton Law
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT A
`EXHIBIT A
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 2 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 1
`
`O AO 120 (Rev. 3/04)
`
`TO:
`
`Mail Stop 8
`Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`REPORT ON THE
`FILING OR DETERMINATION OF AN
`ACTION REGARDING A PATENT OR
`TRADEMARK
`
`In Compliance with 35 U.S.C. § 290 and/or 15 U.S.C. § 1116 you are hereby advised that a court action has been
`District of Massachusetts
`on the following G Patents or
`G Trademarks:
`✔
`
`filed in the U.S. District Court
`
`DOCKET NO.
`1:21-cv-11302
`
`DATE FILED
`8/11/2021
`
`U.S. DISTRICT COURT
`
`District of Massachusetts
`
`PLAINTIFF
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc., et al
`
`DEFENDANT
`NEROtix Unlimited, Inc., et al
`
`PATENT OR
`TRADEMARK NO.
`
`DATE OF PATENT
`OR TRADEMARK
`
`HOLDER OF PATENT OR TRADEMARK
`
` 1
`
`4973167
`
`5/7/2016
`
`Annemarie Tyler
`
` 2
`
` 3
`
` 4
`
` 5
`
`In the above—entitled case, the following patent(s)/ trademark(s) have been included:
`
`DATE INCLUDED
`
`INCLUDED BY
`
`PATENT OR
`TRADEMARK NO.
`
`G Amendment
`DATE OF PATENT
`OR TRADEMARK
`
`G Answer
`
`G Cross Bill
`
`G Other Pleading
`
`HOLDER OF PATENT OR TRADEMARK
`
` 1
`
` 2
`
` 3
`
` 4
`
` 5
`
`In the above—entitled case, the following decision has been rendered or judgement issued:
`
`DECISION/JUDGEMENT
`
`CLERK
`
`(BY) DEPUTY CLERK
`
`DATE
`
`Copy 1—Upon initiation of action, mail this copy to Director Copy 3—Upon termination of action, mail this copy to Director
`Copy 2—Upon filing document adding patent(s), mail this copy to Director Copy 4—Case file copy
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 4-1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 1
`
`O AO 121 (6/90)
` TO:
`
`Register of Copyrights
`Copyright Office
`Library of Congress
`Washington, D.C. 20559
`
`REPORT ON THE
`FILING OR DETERMINATION OF AN
`ACTION OR APPEAL
`REGARDING A COPYRIGHT
`
`In compliance with the provisions of 17 U.S.C. 508, you are hereby advised that a court action or appeal has been filed
`on the following copyright(s):
`
`G ACTION
`✔
`DOCKET NO.
`1:21-cv-11302
`
`G APPEAL
`DATE FILED
`8/10/2021
`
`COURT NAME AND LOCATION
`District of Massachusetts
`Boston, Massachusetts
`
`PLAINTIFF
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc., et al
`
`DEFENDANT
`NEROtix Unlimited, Inc., et al
`
`COPYRIGHT
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`TITLE OF WORK
`
`AUTHOR OR WORK
`
` 1
`
`TX0008511203
`
`Hobling Race Packet
`
`Charles Firth
`
` 2
`
` 3
`
` 4
`
` 5
`
`In the above-entitled case, the following copyright(s) have been included:
`
`DATE INCLUDED
`
`INCLUDED BY
`G Amendment
`
`G Answer
`
`G Cross Bill
`
`G Other Pleading
`
`COPYRIGHT
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`TITLE OF WORK
`
`AUTHOR OF WORK
`
` 1
`
` 2
`
` 3
`
`.
`
`In the above-entitled case, a final decision was rendered on the date entered below. A copy of the order or judgment
`together with the written opinion, if any, of the court is attached.
`
`COPY ATTACHED
`
`WRITTEN OPINION ATTACHED
`
`DATE RENDERED
`
`G Order
`
`G Judgment
`
`G Yes
`
`G No
`
`CLERK
`
`(BY) DEPUTY CLERK
`
`DATE
`
`1) Upon initiation of action,
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`2) Upon filing of document adding copyright(s),
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`3) Upon termination of action,
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`DISTRIBUTION:
`
`4) In the event of an appeal, forward copy to Appellate Court
`
`5) Case File Copy
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 4 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 1
`
`O AO 121 (6/90)
` TO:
`
`Register of Copyrights
`Copyright Office
`Library of Congress
`Washington, D.C. 20559
`
`REPORT ON THE
`FILING OR DETERMINATION OF AN
`ACTION OR APPEAL
`REGARDING A COPYRIGHT
`
`In compliance with the provisions of 17 U.S.C. 508, you are hereby advised that a court action or appeal has been filed
`on the following copyright(s):
`
`G ACTION
`✔
`DOCKET NO.
`1:21-cv-11302
`
`G APPEAL
`DATE FILED
`8/10/2021
`
`COURT NAME AND LOCATION
`District of Massachusetts
`Boston, Massachusetts
`
`PLAINTIFF
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc., et al
`
`DEFENDANT
`NEROtix Unlimited, Inc., et al
`
`COPYRIGHT
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`TITLE OF WORK
`
`AUTHOR OR WORK
`
` 1
`
`TX0008187083
`
`THE NERO RULE BOOK 9th Edition
`
`Joseph Alan Valenti
`
` 2
`
`TX0008395398
`
`The NERO Barbarian Race Package
`
` 3
`
`TX0008511502
`
`Biata Racial Package 2003
`
` 4
`
`TX00083900583
`
`Dwarven Race Package
`
` 5
`
`TX0008508892
`
`Gypsy
`
`Noah Mason
`
`Angela Hill
`
`Joseph Valenti
`
`Selina Harvey
`
`In the above-entitled case, the following copyright(s) have been included:
`
`DATE INCLUDED
`
`INCLUDED BY
`G Amendment
`
`G Answer
`
`G Cross Bill
`
`G Other Pleading
`
`COPYRIGHT
`REGISTRATION NO.
`
`TITLE OF WORK
`
`AUTHOR OF WORK
`
` 1
`
` 2
`
` 3
`
`.
`
`In the above-entitled case, a final decision was rendered on the date entered below. A copy of the order or judgment
`together with the written opinion, if any, of the court is attached.
`
`COPY ATTACHED
`
`WRITTEN OPINION ATTACHED
`
`DATE RENDERED
`
`G Order
`
`G Judgment
`
`G Yes
`
`G No
`
`CLERK
`
`(BY) DEPUTY CLERK
`
`DATE
`
`1) Upon initiation of action,
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`2) Upon filing of document adding copyright(s),
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`3) Upon termination of action,
` mail copy to Register of Copyrights
`
`DISTRIBUTION:
`
`4) In the event of an appeal, forward copy to Appellate Court
`
`5) Case File Copy
`
`

`

`JS 44 (Rev. 04/21)
`
`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1-14 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 2
`CIVIL COVER SHEET
`The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
`provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
`purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
`I. (a) PLAINTIFFS
`DEFENDANTS
`
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc.
`and Joseph Valenti
`(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff
`Westchester
`(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES)
`
`(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
`Hartman Law, P.C., 10 Post Office Sq., Ste 800 South,
`Boston, MA 02109 617-807-0091
`
`NEROtix Unlimited Inc. and Annemarie Tyler
`
`County of Residence of First Listed Defendant
`(IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
`IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF
`THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.
`
`NOTE:
`
`Attorneys (If Known)
`
`II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
`
`1 U.S. Government
`Plaintiff
`
`✖
`
`3 Federal Question
`(U.S. Government Not a Party)
`
`Citizen of This State
`
`III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
`and One Box for Defendant)
`(For Diversity Cases Only)
`PTF
`PTF
`1
`
`DEF
`1
`
`Incorporated or Principal Place
`of Business In This State
`
`DEF
`4
`
`4
`
`2 U.S. Government
`Defendant
`
`4 Diversity
`(Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III)
`
`Citizen of Another State
`
`IV. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
`CONTRACT
`TORTS
`
`110 Insurance
`120 Marine
`130 Miller Act
`140 Negotiable Instrument
`150 Recovery of Overpayment
`& Enforcement of Judgment
`151 Medicare Act
`152 Recovery of Defaulted
`Student Loans
`(Excludes Veterans)
`153 Recovery of Overpayment
`of Veteran’s Benefits
`160 Stockholders’ Suits
`190 Other Contract
`195 Contract Product Liability
`196 Franchise
`
`REAL PROPERTY
`210 Land Condemnation
`220 Foreclosure
`230 Rent Lease & Ejectment
`240 Torts to Land
`245 Tort Product Liability
`290 All Other Real Property
`
`PERSONAL INJURY
`310 Airplane
`315 Airplane Product
`Liability
`320 Assault, Libel &
`Slander
`330 Federal Employers’
`Liability
`340 Marine
`345 Marine Product
`Liability
`350 Motor Vehicle
`355 Motor Vehicle
`Product Liability
`360 Other Personal
`Injury
`362 Personal Injury -
`Medical Malpractice
`CIVIL RIGHTS
`440 Other Civil Rights
`441 Voting
`442 Employment
`443 Housing/
`Accommodations
`445 Amer. w/Disabilities -
`Employment
`446 Amer. w/Disabilities -
`Other
`448 Education
`
`PERSONAL INJURY
`365 Personal Injury -
`Product Liability
`367 Health Care/
`Pharmaceutical
`Personal Injury
`Product Liability
`368 Asbestos Personal
`Injury Product
`Liability
`PERSONAL PROPERTY
`370 Other Fraud
`371 Truth in Lending
`380 Other Personal
`Property Damage
`385 Property Damage
`Product Liability
`
`PRISONER PETITIONS
`Habeas Corpus:
`463 Alien Detainee
`510 Motions to Vacate
`Sentence
`530 General
`535 Death Penalty
`Other:
`540 Mandamus & Other
`550 Civil Rights
`555 Prison Condition
`560 Civil Detainee -
`Conditions of
`Confinement
`
`Citizen or Subject of a
`Foreign Country
`
`FORFEITURE/PENALTY
`
`625 Drug Related Seizure
`of Property 21 USC 881
`690 Other
`
`LABOR
`710 Fair Labor Standards
`Act
`720 Labor/Management
`Relations
`740 Railway Labor Act
`751 Family and Medical
`Leave Act
`790 Other Labor Litigation
`791 Employee Retirement
`Income Security Act
`
`IMMIGRATION
`462 Naturalization Application
`465 Other Immigration
`Actions
`
`2
`
`3
`
`2
`
`Incorporated and Principal Place
`of Business In Another State
`
`3
`
`Foreign Nation
`
`5
`
`6
`
`5
`
`6
`
`Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
`BANKRUPTCY
`OTHER STATUTES
`
`422 Appeal 28 USC 158
`423 Withdrawal
`28 USC 157
`
`INTELLECTUAL
`PROPERTY RIGHTS
`
`820 Copyrights
`830 Patent
`835 Patent - Abbreviated
`New Drug Application
`840 Trademark
`880 Defend Trade Secrets
`Act of 2016
`
`✖
`
`SOCIAL SECURITY
`861 HIA (1395ff)
`862 Black Lung (923)
`863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
`864 SSID Title XVI
`865 RSI (405(g))
`
`FEDERAL TAX SUITS
`870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff
`or Defendant)
`871 IRS—Third Party
`26 USC 7609
`
`375 False Claims Act
`376 Qui Tam (31 USC
`3729(a))
`400 State Reapportionment
`410 Antitrust
`430 Banks and Banking
`450 Commerce
`460 Deportation
`470 Racketeer Influenced and
`Corrupt Organizations
`480 Consumer Credit
`(15 USC 1681 or 1692)
`485 Telephone Consumer
`Protection Act
`490 Cable/Sat TV
`850 Securities/Commodities/
`Exchange
`890 Other Statutory Actions
`891 Agricultural Acts
`893 Environmental Matters
`895 Freedom of Information
`Act
`896 Arbitration
`899 Administrative Procedure
`Act/Review or Appeal of
`Agency Decision
`950 Constitutionality of
`State Statutes
`
`V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)
`1 Original
`2 Removed from
`Proceeding
`State Court
`
`✖
`
`3 Remanded from
`Appellate Court
`
`4 Reinstated or
`Reopened
`
`5 Transferred from
`Another District
`(specify)
`
`6 Multidistrict
`Litigation -
`Transfer
`
`8 Multidistrict
`Litigation -
`Direct File
`
`VI. CAUSE OF ACTION
`
`Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
`15 U.S.C. 1114, 17 U.S.C. 501
`
`Brief description of cause:
`Trademark infringement / dilustion, copyright infringement
`
`VII. REQUESTED IN
`COMPLAINT:
`
`VIII. RELATED CASE(S)
` IF ANY
`
`DATE
`
`08/11/2021
`
`FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
`
`CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION
`UNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.
`
`DEMAND $
`
`in excess of $75,000
`
`CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:
`
`JURY DEMAND:
`
`✖
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`(See instructions):
`
`JUDGE
`
`DOCKET NUMBER
`
`SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD
`
`/s/ Douglas F. Hartman
`
`RECEIPT #
`
`AMOUNT
`
`APPLYING IFP
`
`JUDGE
`
`MAG. JUDGE
`
`

`

`JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 04/21)
`
`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1-14 Filed 08/11/21 Page 2 of 2
`
`INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS 44
`
`Authority For Civil Cover Sheet
`
`The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as
`required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is
`required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of
`Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows:
`
`I.(a) Plaintiffs-Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use
`only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and then
`the official, giving both name and title.
` (b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the
`time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land
`condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.)
` (c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting
`in this section "(see attachment)".
`
`II.
`
`Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.Cv.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X"
`in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below.
`United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here.
`United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box.
`Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment
`to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes
`precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked.
`Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the
`citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below; NOTE: federal question actions take precedence over diversity
`cases.)
`
`III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this
`section for each principal party.
`
`IV.
`
`V.
`
`Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If there are multiple nature of suit codes associated with the case, pick the nature of suit code
`that is most applicable. Click here for: Nature of Suit Code Descriptions.
`
`Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.
`Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts.
`Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C., Section 1441.
`Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing
`date.
`Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date.
`Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or
`multidistrict litigation transfers.
`Multidistrict Litigation – Transfer. (6) Check this box when a multidistrict case is transferred into the district under authority of Title 28 U.S.C.
`Section 1407.
`Multidistrict Litigation – Direct File. (8) Check this box when a multidistrict case is filed in the same district as the Master MDL docket.
`PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOT AN ORIGIN CODE 7. Origin Code 7 was used for historical records and is no longer relevant due to
`changes in statute.
`
`VI. Cause of Action. Report the civil statute directly related to the cause of action and give a brief description of the cause. Do not cite jurisdictional
`statutes unless diversity. Example: U.S. Civil Statute: 47 USC 553 Brief Description: Unauthorized reception of cable service.
`
`VII. Requested in Complaint. Class Action. Place an "X" in this box if you are filing a class action under Rule 23, F.R.Cv.P.
`Demand. In this space enter the actual dollar amount being demanded or indicate other demand, such as a preliminary injunction.
`Jury Demand. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not a jury is being demanded.
`
`VIII. Related Cases. This section of the JS 44 is used to reference related pending cases, if any. If there are related pending cases, insert the docket
`numbers and the corresponding judge names for such cases.
`
`Date and Attorney Signature. Date and sign the civil cover sheet.
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1-15 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 1
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
`
`1. Title of case (name of first party on each side only)
`v. NEROtix Unlimited, Inc.
`
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc.
`
`(cid:21)(cid:17) Category in which the case belongs based upon the numbered nature of suit code listed on the civil cover sheet. (See local
`rule 40.1(a)(1)).
`
`X
`
`(cid:44)(cid:17)
`
`II.
`
`III.
`
`(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)4(cid:19)0, 41(cid:19), 4(cid:23)(cid:20), 535, 830*,(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:15) 8(cid:24)(cid:19), (cid:27)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)893, R.23, REGARDLESS OF NATURE OF SUIT.(cid:3)
`
`(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)130, 190, 196, 370, 37(cid:24),(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:15) 440, 442, 443, 445, 446, 448, (cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:15) 820*, 840*, (cid:27)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:28)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:28)(cid:28).
`
`120, (cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)150, 151, 152, 153, 195, 210, 220, (cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)24(cid:19),(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:15) 310, 315, (cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:15) 330, 340, 345, 350, 355, 360, 36(cid:21),(cid:3)
`(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)367, 368, 37(cid:20),(cid:3)38(cid:19),(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:15)(cid:3)422, 423, 4(cid:22)0,(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:15) 460, 462, 463, 465, (cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:15) (cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)510, 530, 540, 550, 555, (cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)
`625, 690, 7(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:19),(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:15) 791, 861-865, 8(cid:26)0,(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)8(cid:28)(cid:19),(cid:3)950.
`*Also complete AO 120 or AO 121. for patent, trademark or copyright cases.
`
`3. Title and number, if any, of related cases. (See local rule 40.1(g)). If more than one prior related case has been filed in this
`district please indicate the title and number of the first filed case in this court.
`
`4. Has a prior action between the same parties and based on the same claim ever been filed in this court?
`YES (cid:28)
`X
`
`NO (cid:28)
`
`5. Does the complaint in this case question the constitutionality of an act of congress affecting the public interest? (See 28 USC
`§2403)
`
`If so, is the U.S.A. or an officer, agent or employee of the U.S. a party?
`
`YES (cid:28)
`
`NO (cid:28)
`X
`
`YES (cid:28)
`
`NO (cid:28)
`
`6.
`
`Is this case required to be heard and determined by a district court of three judges pursuant to title 28 USC §2284?
`
`YES (cid:28)
`
`NO (cid:28)
`X
`
`7. Do all of the parties in this action, excluding governmental agencies of the United States and the Commonwealth of
`Massachusetts (“governmental agencies”), residing in Massachusetts reside in the same division? - (See Local Rule 40.1(d)).
`
`YES (cid:28)
`X
`
`NO (cid:28)
`
`A.
`
`If yes, in which division do all of the non-governmental parties reside?
`
`Eastern Division (cid:28)
`X
`
`Central Division (cid:28)
`
`Western Division (cid:28)
`
`B.
`
`If no, in which division do the majority of the plaintiffs or the only parties, excluding governmental agencies,
`residing in Massachusetts reside?
`
`Eastern Division (cid:28)
`
`Central Division (cid:28)
`
`Western Division (cid:28)
`
`8.
`
`If filing a Notice of Removal - are there any motions pending in the state court requiring the attention of this Court? (If yes,
`submit a separate sheet identifying the motions)
`
`YES (cid:28)
`
`NO (cid:28)
`
`(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)(cid:3)
`ATTORNEY'S (cid:50)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:53)(cid:50)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:40)(cid:10)(cid:54)(cid:3)NAME(cid:3)
`Hartman Law, P.C., 10 Post Offifice Sq., Ste. 800 South, Boston, MA 02109
`
`Douglas F. Hartman
`
`ADDRESS
`
`TELEPHONE NO.
`(cid:40)(cid:48)(cid:36)(cid:44)(cid:47)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:39)(cid:39)(cid:53)(cid:40)(cid:54)(cid:54)
`
`617-807-0091
`
`dhartman@hartmanlawpc.com
`
`(CategoryForm(cid:25)-20(cid:21)(cid:20).wpd )
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 1 of 24
`
`
`
`Case No.:______________________
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
`
`
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
`
`---------------------------------------------------------------x
`NERO International Holding Co., Inc.
`
`:
`and Joseph Valenti
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`v.
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`NEROtix Unlimited Inc. and Annemarie Tyler
`:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`Defendants.
`
`
`:
`---------------------------------------------------------------x
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiffs, NERO International Holding Co., Inc. (“NIHC”) and Joseph Valenti (“Valenti”)
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`(collectively, “Plaintiffs”), by their undersigned attorneys bring this Complaint against
`
`Defendants, NEROtix Unlimited Inc. (“NEROtix”) and Annie Tyler (“Ms. Tyler”) (collectively,
`
`“Defendants”), for damages and injunctive relief, and in support thereof state as follows:
`
`NATURE OF THIS ACTION
`
`1.
`
`Plaintiffs brings this action under the Federal Trademark Act, commonly referred
`
`to as the Lanham Act, for trademark infringement in violation of Section 32 of the Lanham Act,
`
`15 U.S.C. § 1114 et seq.; for false designation of origin and unfair competition in violation of
`
`Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a) et seq.; for trademark dilution in violation
`
`of Section 43(c) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(c) et seq.; for fraudulent procurement of
`
`trademark registration in violation of Section 38 of the Lanham Act; for unlawful registration of
`
`domain name in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d) et seq.; 15 U.S.C. § 1120; for copyright
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 2 of 24
`
`infringement in violation of 17 U.S.C. § 501, breach of contract in violation of the common law
`
`of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and violation of M.G.L. c. 93A.
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`2.
`
`Plaintiff NERO International Holding Co., Inc. is a domestic business corporation
`
`organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York with a place of business at 219
`
`Freemont Street, Peekskill, New York 10566.
`
`3.
`
`Plaintiff, Joseph Alan Valenti, is an individual and citizen of the United States,
`
`residing at 2763 NC Highway, 731 West Mount Gilead, North Carolina 27306. Joseph Valenti is
`
`doing business as NERO Live Game Systems and separately as NERO International Holding Co.
`
`4.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant NEROtix Unlimited Inc. is a domestic
`
`corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Massachusetts with a place of
`
`business at 56 Riverside Avenue, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703. Defendant AnneMarie Tyler
`
`is the president, treasurer, secretary, and director of NEROtix Unlimited, Inc.
`
`5.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant AnneMarie Tyler is an individual and
`
`citizen of the United States, residing at 56 Riverside Avenue, Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703.
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`6.
`
`This Court has original jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1121.
`
`This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, as questions of federal
`
`law have been presented under 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1125(a), 1125(c), 1125(d), and 1120; and 17
`
`U.S.C. § 501; and 28 U.S.C. § 1338, as this action concerns trademarks and copyrights. This Court
`
`has supplemental jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367
`
`because such state law claims are so related to Plaintiffs’ claims under federal law, which are
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 3 of 24
`
`within this Court’s original jurisdiction, that such state law claims are part of the same case or
`
`controversy.
`
`7.
`
`This Court also has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1332,
`
`because, upon information and belief, the matter in controversy exceeds the sum of $75,000 and
`
`each party is a citizen of a different or foreign state or country.
`
`8.
`
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant NEROtix in that, upon
`
`information and belief, NEROtix, by itself or through its agents, regularly solicits, transacts, and
`
`engages in business in Massachusetts; derives substantial revenue from services rendered in
`
`Massachusetts; and has caused Plaintiffs’ injuries alleged herein from its acts within the State of
`
`Massachusetts.
`
`9.
`
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant Ms. Tyler in that, upon
`
`information and belief, Ms. Tyler is domiciled in the State of Massachusetts and has caused
`
`Plaintiffs’ injuries alleged herein from her acts within the State of Massachusetts.
`
`10. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because, upon
`
`information and belief, Defendant NEROtix regularly conducts business in Massachusetts and in
`
`this judicial district and is therefore subject to personal jurisdiction in this district, and/or a
`
`substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims alleged herein occurred in this
`
`judicial district.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 4 of 24
`
`FACTS COMMON TO ALL COUNTS
`
`The NERO Business Acquisition
`
`Live action role playing (LARP) is a dramatic and narrative interactive game where
`
`11.
`
`participants act (or perform) through physical action in a physical, albeit imaginary, environment.
`
`LARPing is a storytelling system such that the players assume character roles, often wearing the
`
`costumes to lend verisimilitude to the game and interact with each other based on the values of
`
`their characters and pursue their goals. The rules of the game dictate the world, characters, and
`
`action, thereby defining the universe of the game.
`
`12. NERO is one system of a LARP game started in 1989 by Ford Ivey (along with his
`
`wife Maureen Ivey) under the name NERO International, Inc. (“NERO Int’l”). The game system
`
`began within the realm of the Duchy of Ravenholt. Due to the gaining popularity of the NERO
`
`game system, Mr. Ivey desired to expand the NERO world to make it more adventure-oriented.
`
`Accordingly, he expanded the NERO world and added territories neighboring Ravenholt that
`
`collectively became the Kingdom of Evendarr.
`
`13. As the game gained popularity, Mr. Ivey allowed participants to open chapters
`
`under the NERO name. The first approximately twelve chapters took part in the Kingdom of
`
`Evendarr. The chapters spanned multiple state lines from Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
`
`Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The Massachusetts chapter became the flagship chapter
`
`and was dubbed Ravenholt. As such, Mr. Ivey had been using the name RAVENHOLT as part
`
`of the NERO game system since approximately 1989.
`
`14. Mr. Ivey sold the NERO game to Mr. Valenti as president of NIHC on or about
`
`August 03, 1998. The sale of the business was accomplished with formal documents, namely, a
`
`bill of sale, transfer of copyright, and assignment of trademarks and copyrights, including the
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21 Page 5 of 24
`
`trademark NERO and copyright to the NERO Play Book, 5th Edition. Among the trademarks
`
`transferred to NIHC was U.S. Reg. No. 2270409 for the mark NERO.1 Subsequent to the purchase
`
`of the game system, Mr. Valenti eventually acquired copyrights in other NERO works (e.g.
`
`characters; written texts) from their original authors.
`
`15.
`
`Since acquiring the NERO business, Mr. Valenti has promoted the NERO game
`
`through various business ventures such as NERO LIVE ADVENTURE GAMES, NERO, NEW
`
`ENGLAND ROLEPLAYING ORGANIZATION, and NERO Game Systems. Mr. Valenti is the
`
`sole owner and/or president of these ventures.
`
`16.
`
`Since 1998, Valenti has actively maintained his NERO website located at
`
`NEROLARP.com, which is utilized as a promotional vehicle and as a means of keeping his
`
`community and fans updated about NERO news, events, local and nationwide chapter information,
`
`and as a forum for members to talk and engage with one another.
`
`17. Valenti also operates and controls NERO LARP on Facebook, which has been
`
`active since on or about January 1, 2008.
`
`18. Valenti also acquired and retains copyright ownership in various works created for
`
`the game system, including the NERO Play Book, which is currently, in its 9th Edition (see Exhibit
`
`A), character race packets (see Exhibit J), and maps (see Exhibit K).
`
`19. Over the course of 19 years, Mr. Valenti has developed a substantial client and fan
`
`base. As a result, NERO has become well-known in the United States and abroad. Overall, the
`
`NERO game system includes over 5,000 members, 31 NERO Chapters in various U.S. states, 2
`
`NERO Chapters in Canada, and 1 NERO Chapter in South Africa.
`
`
`
`
`1 While the registration is currently cancelled, Plaintiffs continue to use the mark and have not ceased use of
`the mark.
`
`5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:21-cv-11302 Document 1 Filed 08/11/21