Trailers Intl LLC v. Xiaofei Yang Trademark Complaint

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District of Oregon Trademark Complaint

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  • IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

    FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON

    PORTLAND DIVISION

    TRAILERS INTL LLC, a Nevada Corporation, and VINCENT L. WEBB, an individual, Plaintiffs, v. XIAOFEI YANG, an individual, Defendant.

    Civil No. 15-CV-00767

    COMPLAINT FOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, TRADEMARK COUNTERFEITING, UNFAIR COMPETITION, FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN, UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES, CONVERSION, and TRADE SECRET MISAPPROPRIATION

    Jury Trial Demanded

    Stephen J. Joncus, OSB No. 013072 Email: [email protected] Xavier A. Clark, OSB No. 133287 Email: [email protected] KLARQUIST SPARKMAN, LLP 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite 1600 Portland, Oregon 97204 Telephone: 503-595-5300 Attorneys for Plaintiffs TRAILERS INTL LLC and VINCENT L. WEBB

    Case 3:15-cv-00767 Document 1 Filed 05/04/15 Page 1 of 40

    mailto:[email protected]://sharepoint/pi/lit/WebbvAltocraft/Shared%20Documents/Pleading/[email protected]
  • Plaintiffs Trailers Intl LLC (Trailers Intl) and Vincent L. Webb (Webb), by their

    attorneys, for their Complaint against Defendant XiaoFei Fred Yang (Yang), allege as

    follows:

    1. This is an action for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, trademark

    counterfeiting, unfair competition, false designation of origin, unfair business practices,

    conversion, and trade secret misappropriation. By this action, Webb and Trailers Intl seek (a)

    damages arising from Yangs past and present infringement of Webbs trademark rights and

    copyrights, and related activities, (b) injunctive relief against Yangs continued importation and

    or sale of infringing trailers, and (c) reimbursement of Webbs and Trailers Intls attorney fees

    and costs incurred in connection with their efforts to protect their intellectual property rights.

    2. This action arises out of the manufacture, importation, offer for sale, sale, and

    distribution in the United States of counterfeits of Webbs and Trailers Intls UtilityMate and

    UtilitySport trailers illegally manufactured by Zhuhai Sharp-Group Enterprise CO. LTD. a/k/a

    Jumbo Tools & Equipment (Jumbo) at Yangs direction.

    3. Yang is the President and CEO of Jumbo.

    4. Jumbo is a Chinese trading company that was, at one time, authorized to

    manufacture trailers for Webbs Company, Trailers Intl (formerly UtilityMate LLC).

    5. At Yangs direction, Jumbo manufactures utility trailers using Webbs designs,

    drawings, tooling, molds and intellectual property.

    6. At Yangs direction, Jumbo supplies the utility trailers to distributors for

    distribution across the United States.

    7. Jumbo supplies the utility trailers in packages bearing Webbs registered

    trademarks and copyrights. Each package includes user manuals and related documentation

    COMPLAINT Page 1

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  • which contain text and images copied from Webbs federally registered copyrighted user

    manuals and related documentation.

    8. Altocraft USA, Inc. (Altocraft) is the primary importer and distributor of utility

    trailers from Jumbo. The trailers are sold under the Altocraft brand.

    9. Jumbos website lists Altocraft as one of Jumbos owned brands. Yangs

    friend James Zhang is the President of Altocraft.

    10. Jumbo and Altocraft advertise the trailers using identical or confusingly similar

    product names and terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use in connection the sale of utility trailers.

    11. Jumbo published a catalog promoting its trailers in which Altocraft is named as

    Jumbos Authorized Agent in U.S.A. The catalog names James Zhang as the contact at

    Altocraft.

    12. Purchasers of Jumbos utility trailers often receive packages and products bearing

    Webbs trademarks that ship with Webbs copyrighted materials. The trailers frequently ship

    with licensing and registration materials bearing Webbs former company name UtilityMate

    LLC.

    13. The trailers and documentation even use Trailers Intls unique World

    Manufacturer Identifier prefix to create Vehicle Identification Numbers for the trailers.

    14. On a number of occasions, purchasers of trailers supplied by Jumbo have

    contacted Plaintiffs about trailer related issues on account of Plaintiffs former company name,

    UtilityMate LLC, being printed on the documentation supplied by Jumbo with the trailers.

    15. Yangs participation in the importation, offering for sale, selling, distributing, and

    other activities involving the trailers has caused actual harm to Webb and Trailers Intl in the

    COMPLAINT Page 2

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  • form of customer confusion as to product origin, reduced sales and lost profits by Trailers Intl,

    and damage to Webbs and Trailers Intls reputation for product quality and brand recognition.

    16. The trailers manufactured and offered for sale by Jumbo are counterfeit.

    17. In addition to actual harm to Webb and Trailers Intl, Yangs participation

    involving the counterfeit trailers puts the public at risk of physical harm. The trailers at issue are

    designed to be towed behind automobiles on roads and highways. The trailers are made from

    steel, can carry heavy loads, and can be dangerous when operated at high speeds. This is one

    reason why product safety and integrity is of the utmost importance to Webb and Trailers Intl.

    Webb and Trailers Intl design and build trailers with high quality parts that hold up to use on the

    road and do not put customers at risk.

    18. The counterfeit trailers at issue are manufactured using inferior parts and

    assembly procedures compared to genuine Trailers Intl trailers, and pose a greater risk of failure

    and harm. Webb and Trailers Intl face an increased risk of complaints and suits due to customers

    using the counterfeit documentation included with the counterfeit trailers, which names Webbs

    former company and predecessor to Trailers Intl, UtilityMate LLC as manufacturer, to register

    counterfeit trailers with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

    JURISDICTION

    19. This is a suit for trademark infringement, trademark counterfeiting, and unfair

    competition and false designation of origin under 15 U.S.C. Sections 1051 et seq. ( the Lanham

    Act), copyright infringement under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, 17

    U.S.C. Sections 101 et seq. (the Copyright Act), unfair business practices, conversion, and

    trade secret misappropriation. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 15 U.S.C.

    1121, and 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338 (copyright and trademark). This Court has jurisdiction

    COMPLAINT Page 3

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  • over the Oregon common law claims as these claims are related to the claims brought under the

    Lanham Act and the Copyright Act, so form part of the same case or controversy, and are within

    the Courts supplemental jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1367.

    20. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Yang because he has committed acts in

    this district or directed at this district constituting or contributing to the infringement alleged, so

    that a substantial part of the acts and events giving rise to the claims occurred in, or were

    directed at, this judicial district. For example, Yang signed the manufacturing agreement

    between Jumbo and Plaintiffs former company UtilityMate LLC, which was deemed entered

    into in the State of Oregon. Plaintiffs terminated the manufacturing agreement in Ocober 2011.

    After the agreement had been terminated, Yang caused the importation of counterfeit trailers into

    the Port of Portland.

    PARTIES

    21. Plaintiff Vincent L. Webb is an individual who presently resides in Grants Pass,

    Oregon. Webb is the President of Trailers Intl LLC, and has been in the business of designing

    and manufacturing utility trailer kits since 2004. Webb is the exclusive owner of the federally

    registered trademarks UtilityMate (U.S. Reg. No. 3,226,766), UtilitySport (U.S. Reg. No.

    3,278,153), BUILD IT AND SAVE (U.S. Reg. No. 4,458,788), and 4 in 1 (U.S. Reg.

    No. 4,582,732), and the common law trademark UtilityDump. Webb is also the exclusive

    owner of federally registered copyrights for UtilityMate Trailer Owners Manuals (Reg. No. TX

    7-187-973), and UtilityMate Web Site, Product Catalog, Sales Material & Package Artwork

    (Reg. No. TX 7-748-097).

    22. Plaintiff Trailers Intl LLC, formerly known as UtilityMate LLC (UtilityMate),

    is a Nevada corporation with its principal place of business at 2788 Foothill Boulevard, Grants

    COMPLAINT Page 4

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  • Pass, Oregon 97526. Trailers Intl is in the business of manufacturing, importing, and selling

    high quality utility trailer kits under the brand names UtilityMate and UtilitySport. Trailers

    Intl is the assignee of the right to use and license Webbs intellectual property portfolio, which

    includes Webbs federally registered trademarks, common law trademark, and federally

    registered copyrights listed above.

    23. Trailers Intl operates and maintains the websites www.trailersintl.com,

    www.utilitymate.com, www.utilitysport.com, and www.utilitydump.com, which it uses in

    connection with its utility trailer business.

    24. Defendant XiaoFei Fred Yang is an individual residing in the Peoples Republic

    of China.

    25. Yang is the President and CEO of Zhuhai Sharp-Group Enterprise CO. LTD. a/k/a

    Jumbo Tools & Equipment (Jumbo).

    26. Yang actively participates in Jumbos tool and equipment production business.

    For example, Yang negotiates and enters agreements for Jumbo to produce private label product

    lines for importers and retailers around the world, including into this district.

    27. Yang also attends industry tradeshows as a representative of Jumbo, such as the

    annual National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    28. At Yangs direction, Jumbo uses Webbs and Trailers Intls design, drawings,

    blueprints, and tooling to manufacture counterfeit UtilityMate and UtilitySport trailers for

    export to and sale across the United States, including into this district.

    29. Yang coordinates the manufacture and importation of counterfeit trailers from

    China for sale and distribution across the United States, including into this district.

    COMPLAINT Page 5

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    http://www.trailersintl.com/http://www.utilitymate.com/http://www.utilitysport.com/http://www.utilitydump.com/
  • 30. Yang uses his U.S. contacts to facilitate the importation and sale of counterfeit

    trailers from China for sale and distribution across the United States, including into this district.

    Yangs U.S. contacts include Steven F. Resch, an individual residing in this district.

    31. Yang coordinated the importation and sale of counterfeit trailers seized by U.S.

    Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Portland.

    32. Yang causes counterfeit trailers to be sold in direct competition with genuine

    Trailers Intl trailers, which are located in this district, by offering counterfeit trailers for resale at

    a lower cost to Trailers Intls existing retail customers.

    BACKGROUND ALLEGATIONS

    33. Webb is the President of Trailers Intl LLC. Webb has been in the business of

    designing, developing, and selling utility trailer kits since 2004. Webb and Trailers Intl conduct

    their utility trailer business primarily from the Trailers Intl office and warehouse facility located

    in Grants Pass, Oregon. Webb and Trailers Intl sell genuine utility trailer kits online and at

    retailers across the United States under federally registered trademarked brand names, e.g.,

    UtilityMate and UtilitySport.

    34. Webb is the exclusive owner of copyrights related to genuine trailer kits and

    possesses copyright registrations with the United States Copyright Office relating to the same,

    specifically U.S. Copyright Registration Numbers TX 7-187-973 and TX 7-748-097. The table

    below provides details regarding the 973 and 097 registrations.

    973 097 Reg. No.: TX 7-187-973 Effective Registration Date: 02/05/2010 Title: UtilityMate Trailer Owners Manuals Authorship: text, photograph(s), artwork

    Reg. No.: TX 7-748-097 Effective Registration Date: 06/18/2013 Title: UtilityMate Web Site, Product Catalog, Sales Material & Package Artwork Authorship: text, photograph(s), computer program, artwork

    COMPLAINT Page 6

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  • 35. Webb is the exclusive owner of United States Trademark Registration Numbers

    3,226,766, 3,278,153, 4,458,788, and 4,582,732 (Webbs federally registered marks). The

    table below provides details regarding Webbs federally registered marks.

    Registration Data Mark Mark: UTILITYMATE Filing Date: June 6, 2005 Registration Number: 3226766 Registration Date: April 10, 2007 Goods: Cargo Trailers Mark: UTILITYSPORT Filing Date: October 2, 2005 Registration Number: 3278153 Registration Date: August 7, 2007 Goods: Cargo Trailers Mark: BUILD IT AND SAVE Filing Date: May 14, 2013 Registration Number: 4458788 Registration Date: December 13, 2013 Goods: Utility Trailers

    Mark: 4 IN 1 Filing Date: May 14, 2013 Registration Number: 4582732 Registration Date: August 12, 2014 Goods: Utility Trailers

    36. Trailers Intl is the exclusive licensee of Webbs federally registered trademarks

    and copyrights.

    37. In addition to Webbs federally registered copyrights and trademarks, Webb and

    Trailers Intl have continuously used a number of names and terms in commerce for the sale of

    utility trailers beginning as early as 2005. Specifically, Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously

    used the following: UtilityMate and 4 in 1 since at least 2005; Utility Dump and

    Powersport since at least 2006; Build it and Save since at least 2009; and Open Dump,

    EZ Dump, Multi-Sport and Motor Sport since at least 2011.

    COMPLAINT Page 7

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  • Webbs and Trailers Intls Quality Control and Product Integrity Standards

    38. Webb and Trailers Intl began designing utility trailers in response to a

    marketplace demand for a high quality, reasonably priced, utility trailer. Webbs and Trailers

    Intls utility trailer kits offer many advantages to sellers and buyers, for example, each trailer kit

    is delivered and sold in a single box, making it easier to ship, store, and track logistically.

    Because Webbs and Trailers Intls utility trailers are sold in kit form, they do not require

    registration or licensing until fully assembled and road ready.

    39. Webbs and Trailers Intls genuine utility trailers are designed to comply with the

    specification standards of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) including the

    best practices of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    40. Webb has worked for years to develop a good reputation for Trailers Intl and its

    products. Product quality and integrity are priorities for Webb and Trailers Intl, as is customer

    safety. In addition to the DOT and NHTSA standards and best practices, Webb and Trailers Intl

    have set additional quality control and product integrity standards that each trailer must satisfy

    before Webb and Trailers Intl will approve the trailer for sale.

    41. Trailers Intls genuine trailers and components are manufactured using Trailers

    Intls custom tooling and are assembled from high quality materials, for example: Trailers Intls

    tail lights and side markers use LED technology sourced from a NHTSA authorized

    manufacturer; Trailers Intl uses tires that meet DOT requirements; Trailers Intls wire harnesses

    are housed in a protective, insulated sleeve to protect against wear and outside elements; Trailers

    Intls trailers use pre-threaded lock-nuts to avoid bolts loosening from vibration on the road; and

    Trailers Intls frames are powder coated and made from corrugated and tubular steel.

    COMPLAINT Page 8

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  • 42. Webb and Trailers Intl have implemented various quality control measures in an

    effort to maintain product integrity. For instance, Webb and Trailers Intl require that all

    Manufacturers Statement of Origin certificates and Vehicle Identification Number tags be

    designed, printed, and shipped from Trailers Intls offices directly to the contract manufacturer in

    China, whereby the contract manufacturer will insert the materials into Trailers Intls genuine

    product packaging prior to export. Webb also travels to China several times each year to inspect

    the factories where his utility trailers are manufactured.

    43. In 2005, at Webbs direction, production of genuine utility trailers began in

    China. Webb has suffered continuing problems with the theft of his intellectual property by the

    Chinese companies that he has dealt with.

    Webbs and Trailers Intls Former Manufacturers and Past Counterfeiting

    44. Webb, through his company Trailers Intl (and formerly UtilityMate LLC),

    contracts with Chinese trading companies (contract manufacturers) to source parts for and

    assemble genuine Trailers Intl trailer kits.

    45. Trailers Intl requires the contract manufacturers to comply with its quality control

    and product integrity standards.

    46. On two occasions Webb and Trailers Intl, through Trailers Intls predecessor

    UtilityMate LLC, have terminated licensing agreements with Chinese contract manufacturers

    based on repeated failures to comply with UtilityMates quality control standards.

    47. First, in November 2008 UtilityMate terminated its licensing agreement with

    contract manufacturer Changzhou Nanxiashu Tool Co., Ltd. (Nanxiashu). Nanxiashu was

    authorized to manufacture UtilityMate kit trailers from 2005-2007. UtilityMate terminated its

    COMPLAINT Page 9

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  • agreement with Nanxiashu following repeated failures by Nanxiashu to meet UtilityMates

    product quality and integrity standards.

    48. After termination of the agreement between UtilityMate and Nanxiashu, Webb

    and Trailers Intl discovered that Nanxiashu was using Webbs and Trailers Intls designs to

    manufacture and import counterfeit trailers into the United States.

    49. The counterfeit trailers manufactured and imported by Nanxiashu were nearly

    identical in appearance to genuine Trailers Intl trailers, but were made from inferior materials

    and did not comply with DOT standards. Nanxiashu sold the counterfeit trailers in direct

    competition with genuine Trailers Intl trailers, but at a lower price.

    50. The Nanxiashu counterfeit trailers harmed Webb and Trailers Intl by causing

    customer confusion as to the origin of the trailers. Due to their inferior and non-compliant

    manufacture and assembly, they had the potential to cause harm to consumers, which could have

    led to complaints and suits against Webb and Trailers Intl. In June, 2011, Webb brought a

    complaint against Nanxiashu in this District. Nanxiashu failed to appear, and in August 2011

    Judge Brown entered a default judgment and permanent injunction against Nanxiashu. (Case

    No. 3:11-cv-00747-BR, Dkt. No. 16.)

    51. After terminating the agreement with Nanxiashu, Webb, through UtilityMate,

    entered into a manufacturing and distribution agreement with a different Chinese contract

    manufacturer, Zhuhai Sharp-Group Enterprise CO. LTD. a/k/a Jumbo Tools & Equipment.

    52. Jumbo is a Chinese power tool and equipment supplier that produces private label

    and/or OEM products for retailers and importers. Jumbo also owns a number of house brands,

    such as Altocraft USA, Inc., which sell products supplied by Jumbo.

    COMPLAINT Page 10

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  • 53. Yang signed the agreement on Jumbos behalf. The agreement, per its terms, was

    deemed entered in the State of Oregon.

    54. Yang is the President and CEO of Jumbo. Yang was Plaintiffs principal contact

    at Jumbo, and represented Jumbo in negotiating all agreements with Plaintiffs.

    55. While under contract with Plaintiffs, Yang had access to Plaintiffs competitively

    sensitive business materials, including information relating to pricing and product design.

    56. When Jumbo failed to abide by specific terms in the agreement and the products

    being manufactured by Jumbo failed to meet the standards agreed upon by the parties,

    UtilityMate LLC sent Yang and Jumbo a first notice of default in April 2011, in accordance with

    the parties agreement.

    57. The first notice of default provided Yang and Jumbo with details as to each

    contractual violation, including a number of violations related to the quality of the trailers being

    manufactured, such as: Jumbos failure to manufacture trailers in accordance with the trailer

    designs provided by UtilityMate; Jumbos failure to allow UtilityMate to perform contractually

    agreed upon product quality control inspections; Jumbos refusal to pay parts suppliers; and

    Jumbos failure to maintain and provide the insurance coverage agreed upon by the parties.

    58. Yang and Jumbo did not correct or otherwise address the first notice of default.

    59. In June 2011, Jumbo and UtilityMate LLC entered into a supplemental agreement

    by which UtilityMate LLC would be importer of record for 100% of trailer sales shipped by

    Jumbo to the United States or Canada. Per the supplemental agreement, UtilityMate LLC was to

    be the sole and exclusive importer of UtilityMate trailers manufactured by Jumbo.

    60. Despite the supplemental agreement, Yang and Jumbo still had not cured the

    defects listed in the first notice of default, and the additional products being manufactured by

    COMPLAINT Page 11

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  • Jumbo continued to fail to meet the agreed upon requirements. As a result, UtilityMate LLC sent

    Yang and Jumbo second and third notices of default in August and October 2011, respectively.

    61. The second and third notices of default provided Yang and Jumbo with details of

    the violations initially noticed by the first notice of default, as well as details of subsequent

    violations, the most serious of which included: Jumbo sourced trailer kit samples to a known

    competitor of UtilityMate; Jumbo solicited other companies to purchase competing trailers made

    from UtilityMates designs, but with UtilityMates name removed; and Jumbo failed to import

    trailers that complied with the vehicle laws and regulations of the geographic areas where

    UtilityMate trailers were being sold.

    62. The third notice of default warned Yang and Jumbo that a failure to address or

    cure the noticed defaults would result in termination of the parties agreement.

    63. Despite UtilityMates warning, Yang and Jumbo still did not correct the products

    or address the notices of default.

    64. UtilityMate LLC terminated the agreement with Jumbo in October 2011 as a

    result of Yangs and Jumbos failure to cure or otherwise respond to the multiple notices of

    default. Upon termination of the agreement, Jumbo was no longer authorized to manufacture,

    import, offer for sale, sell, distribute, or otherwise deal in trailers made from Webbs or Trailers

    Intls designs. Also upon termination of the agreement, Jumbo no longer had any right to use

    any of Webbs intellectual property, including his federally registered trademarks and

    copyrights. Per notice of termination, Jumbo was required to return all Trailers Intl blueprints,

    tooling, and dies used to manufacture genuine UtilityMate trailers, as well as all manuals,

    packaging, and marketing materials.

    COMPLAINT Page 12

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  • 65. After termination of the agreement with Jumbo, Webb and Trailers Intl updated

    the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) used on genuine Trailers Intl trailer kits to list

    Trailers Intl LLC as the manufacturer of record. The WMI is the first three characters of a

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is a unique identifier assigned to vehicle

    manufacturers. UtilityMate LLCs WMI was 52Z. After the update, Trailers Intls WMI is

    52Z.

    66. Another change Webb and Trailers Intl implemented following termination of the

    Jumbo agreement was the production of licensing and registration documents. Webb and

    Trailers Intl now design, print, and ship all Manufacturers Statement of Origin certificates and

    Vehicle Identification Number tags from the Trailers Intl office in the United States to the

    contract manufacturer in China, whereby the contract manufacturer inserts the materials into

    genuine Trailers Intl product packaging prior to export.

    67. Webb, acting through Trailers Intl, also hired a new contract manufacturer, STC

    International (STC), based out of Shanghai, China to oversee quality control and assembly of

    genuine Trailers Intl trailer kits. Currently, STC is the only authorized assembler of genuine

    Trailers Intl utility trailers.

    Yangs Participation in Counterfeiting and Intellectual Property Infringement Damaged the Market for Plaintiffs Genuine Trailers

    68. At Yangs direction, Jumbo illegally uses Webbs and Trailers Intls designs,

    drawings, blueprints, and tooling to manufacture and advertise counterfeit Trailers Intl trailers

    for export and sale, into and across the United States, including into this district.

    69. At Yangs direction, Jumbo offers customers counterfeit trailers from under its

    Altocraft brand in direct competition with genuine UtilityMate and UtilitySport trailers, but

    at significantly lower prices.

    COMPLAINT Page 13

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  • 70. The counterfeit trailers made by Jumbo and sold under the Altocraft brand are

    advertised using identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use

    in connection with the sale of genuine utility trailers. (Figures 1 and 2, below.)

    Figure 1.

    COMPLAINT Page 14

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  • Figure 2: Jumbo used the term 4 in 1 and the name Utility Dump on its website.

    71. Figure 1, above, demonstrates the use on Altocrafts trailers website of identical

    or confusingly similar product names and terms, and even images, copied directly from Webbs

    and Trailers Intls websites. Some of the images even display Webbs personal property.

    Examples of copying on Altocrafts trailers website include:

    x Image one (1) displays Trailers Intls UM6096 trailer from its Open Dump line loaded with Webbs personal all-terrain vehicle, and hitched to Webbs personal pick-up truck. Altocraft uses a mirror image copy of image one (1) on its website;

    x Image two (2) displays Trailers Intls MC583 trailer from its PowerSport line in three positions. Altocraft uses an identical copy of image two (2) and the name Power Sport on its website;

    x Image three (3) displays Trailers Intls UD5806 4 in 1 trailer from its Utility Dump line. This image was created by Webb specifically to provide a visual affect showing the various positions that the UD5806 can be used in. Altocraft uses an identical copy of image three (3) and the name Utility Dump on its website and in documentation it and Jumbo distribute;

    x Image four (4) displays Trailers Intls HD4872EZ trailer from its Open Dump line. Altocraft uses an identical copy of image four (4) and the confusingly similar name EZ Dump on its website;

    COMPLAINT Page 15

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  • x Image five (5) displays Trailers Intls HD4872 trailer from its Open Dump line loaded with Webbs personal lawnmower. Altocraft uses an identical copy of image five (5) and the name Open Dump on its website.

    72. Yang offers the counterfeit trailers from Jumbo at a lower price because they are

    manufactured from parts and materials that are inferior to those used in genuine Trailers Intl

    trailers, and do not meet Trailers Intls quality control standards.

    73. Yang informs customers that Jumbo and Plaintiffs still have a valid

    manufacturing agreement in order to induce customers to purchase counterfeit trailers from

    Jumbo, despite his knowledge that the agreement was terminated in October 2011.

    74. Although Yang informs customers that Jumbo and Plaintiffs still have a valid

    agreement, Yang behaves as if the agreement was terminated, which it was in 2011. Yang has

    not operated within the scope of the agreement or suggested he will abide by its terms since prior

    to the second notice of default.

    75. Yang misleads customers as to the quality and origin of the counterfeit trailers by

    distributing Jumbo product catalogs that contain Webbs registered trademarks and

    copyrighted materials. (Figure 3.)

    COMPLAINT Page 16

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  • AUTHENTIC COUNTERFEIT

    Figure 3.

    76. Yang induces others to infringe Webbs registered trademarks and copyrights by

    supplying counterfeit trailers from Jumbo to distributors and retailers across the United States.

    77. Webb and Trailers Intl have been, and continue to be, harmed by Yangs

    participation in the manufacture, import, offer for sale, sale, and distribution of counterfeit

    trailers.

    Loss of Business with Home Depot

    78. In February 2012, Webb and Trailers Intl learned that Jumbos U.S. brand

    Altocraft was offering for sale in the United States utility trailers that appeared to be the same as

    Trailers Intl trailers. At the time, the designs, photographs, descriptions, specifications, and even

    COMPLAINT Page 17

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  • model numbers of the trailers offered for sale by Altocraft were identical, or nearly so, to those

    on Webbs and Trailers Intls genuine websites.

    79. At this time, Webb was in the final stages of negotiations with Home Depot to sell

    Trailers Intl trailers in Home Depot stores across the United States. Webb began discussions

    with Home Depot in December 2010 about selling UtilityMate trailers in Home Depot stores.

    Home Depot planned to launch a trailer kit program selling UtilityMate trailer kits in its stores

    nationwide by the Spring of 2012 under the brand UtilityDump. Home Depot estimated it

    would order 5,400 UtilityDump trailer kits for nearly $4.2 million for the UtilityDump

    launch.

    80. Shortly after Plaintiffs learned that Altocraft was offering counterfeit trailers for

    sale, Home Depot contacted Webb via e-mail to inquire about the competitive stance of Altocraft

    in relation to Trailers Intl and its products. In its e-mail to Webb, Home Depot noted that

    Altocraft offered the counterfeit trailers at a lower price than the wholesale price of Plaintiffs

    genuine trailers.

    81. Despite Webbs warning to Home Depot that Altocraft did not have any rights to

    make or sell any of Trailers Intls products or use Webbs designs or intellectual property to

    make or sell similar products, Home Depot never completed its agreement to buy trailers from

    Trailers Intl, and instead purchased counterfeit trailers from Altocraft.

    Loss of Existing Business with Sears and K-mart

    82. Sears and K-Mart, at one time, were authorized to sell, and did in fact sell,

    genuine Trailers Intl UtilityMate trailers through their websites.

    83. Sears and K-Mart acquired genuine UtilityMate trailers from a Trailers Intl

    authorized distributor based in Oregon, Scotsco, Inc. (Scotsco). Scotsco had an agreement

    COMPLAINT Page 18

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  • with Trailers Intl by which genuine Trailers Intl trailers would be supplied to Scotsco, and

    Scotsco would distribute the genuine trailers to retailers such as Sears, K-Mart, and WalMart.

    84. Yang communicated directly with buyers from Scotsco regarding the sale and

    shipment of genuine UtilityMate trailers while the agreement between Plaintiffs and Jumbo

    was still in force. Yang even approached Scotsco about supplying other Jumbo products to

    Scotsco, in Oregon, and selling the products through Scotscos distribution channels.

    85. Yang had detailed knowledge of Trailers Intls agreement and dealings with

    Scotsco, including competively sensitive information pertaining to pricing and customers.

    86. On information and belief, after Plaintiffs terminated the agreement with Jumbo,

    Yang arranged to supply Sears and K-Mart with counterfeit trailers distributed through Altocraft

    at a significantly lower cost than they paid for Trailers Intls genuine UtilityMate trailers.

    87. By December 2012, Sears was selling counterfeit Altocraft trailers on its website.

    Sears used Webbs copyrighted images and descriptions on its counterfeit Altocraft trailer web

    pages. At some time, both Sears and K-Mart stopped buying genuine UtilityMate trailers.

    88. Within a matter of months, Sears had completely replaced Trailers Intls genuine

    UtilityMate trailers in favor of Altocrafts counterfeit trailers, and searches for UtilityMate

    trailers on Sears website only returned listings for counterfeit Altocraft trailers.

    89. By November 2013, K-Mart was also selling counterfeit Altocraft trailers on its

    website.

    Port of Portland U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seizure

    90. In October 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) informed Webb

    that a shipment of suspected infringing trailers from China had attempted entry at the Port of

    Portland. The declared manufacturer of the suspect trailers was Jumbo.

    COMPLAINT Page 19

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  • 91. The container of trailers arrived at the Port of Portland on October 29, 2012, and

    was detained and examined by CBP shortly thereafter. During the first week of December 2012,

    CBP officers provided Webb with photographs of the suspect trailers for review. The suspect

    trailers were clearly marked with Webbs trademarks. Moreover, Webb observed multiple

    indications that the suspect trailers were not genuine UtilityMate trailers, including the overall

    inferior quality of the suspect trailers compared to the quality of genuine UtilityMate trailers.

    For example, the trailer lights on the suspect trailers were not LED lights, and those trailers had

    bare wiring not housed in an insulated harness.

    92. Webb submitted an affidavit to CBP on December 11, 2012, in which he provided

    details explaining why the trailers were not genuine UtilityMate trailers. Webb subsequently

    received a letter from CBP dated December 18, 2012, informing him that CBP seized the suspect

    trailers on December 13, 2012, under case number 2013-2904-000018, because the trailers bore

    marks that constituted counterfeit copies of Webbs registered UtilityMate trademark.

    93. In February 2013, Orrin Lundy (Lundy) sent an e-mail to Webb requesting the

    release of the counterfeit trailers seized at the Port of Portland. Lundy had ordered the shipment

    of counterfeit trailers seized at the Port of Portland. Lundy is the owner of Trailer World in

    Vancouver, Washington, a previous violator of Webbs intellectual property rights, and a

    Defendant in Webbs concurrent lawsuit pending in this district.

    94. On information and belief, Yang arranged for the sale to Lundy and importation

    of the counterfeit trailers into the Port of Portland with the assistance of Steven F. Resch

    (Resch).

    95. Resch interacted directly with Yang as a sales representative for UtilityMate

    trailers while the agreement between Plaintiffs and Jumbo was still in force. During this period,

    COMPLAINT Page 20

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  • Resch earned commissions from Jumbo for sales of genuine UtilityMate trailers. Resch resides

    in this district, and is also a defendant in Webbs concurrent lawsuit pending in this district.

    96. According to Lundy, Resch represented that the counterfeit trailers were genuine

    UtilityMate trailers that Jumbo was offering as a closeout, and that Trailers Intl (as its

    predecessor UtilityMate) still had a valid agreement with Jumbo.

    97. Also according to Lundy, Yang [took] responsibility for the situation and

    refunded most of [Lundys] purchase price less shipping charges as compensation for Lundys

    losses suffered as a result of the seizure of the counterfeit trailers by CBP.

    Undercover Purchase and Miami Customs and Border Protection Seizure

    98. After U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized the counterfeit trailers at the

    Port of Portland, Webb researched shipping data on the PIERS commercial trade database at

    www.piers.com (PIERS) in search of additional unauthorized shipments by Jumbo.

    99. The PIERS reports revealed that Jumbo had continued to import unauthorized

    containers of trailers. The PIERS reports further revealed that Jumbos owned brand Altocraft

    was the importer of many of the unauthorized containers from Jumbo.

    100. Webb retained a private investigator to investigate Altocraft. In January 2013,

    Webbs investigator met with Altocrafts principal, Xuefeng James Zhang, at Altocrafts

    warehouse in Miami, Florida, and purchased two counterfeit trailers from the warehouse.

    101. At the time of sale, Zhang provided Webbs investigator with a counterfeit

    Jumbo product catalog nearly identical to Trailers Intls authentic UtilityMate catalog. The

    counterfeit catalog contained Webbs registered trademarks and copyrighted material throughout,

    and listed Altocraft as Jumbos U.S. agent. (Figures 4 and 5.)

    COMPLAINT Page 21

    Case 3:15-cv-00767 Document 1 Filed 05/04/15 Page 22 of 40

    http://www.piers.com/
  • AUTHENTIC COUNTERFEIT

    Figure 4.

    Figure 5.

    102. Following the investigators purchase of counterfeit trailers from Altocraft, Webb

    provided an intellectual property product identification guide to U.S. Customs and Border

    Protection to help law enforcement officers identify Webbs registered trademarks and

    copyrights, and identify infringing shipments of imported products. The guide provided details

    regarding Webbs registered marks, copyrighted material, genuine packaging, products, and

    product registration material.

    COMPLAINT Page 22

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  • 103. In August 2013, CBP informed Webb it was reviewing a suspect shipment of

    trailers. Per photographs provided by CBP to Webb, CBPs examination of the suspect shipment

    revealed that the shipping cartons containing the suspect trailers bore Webbs UtilityMate

    trademark, but the label bearing Webbs mark was either concealed behind another label,

    crossed-out by black marker, or removed and replaced with another label.

    104. Webb submitted an infringement analysis to CBP on August 16, 2013 in which he

    provided details explaining why the trailers were not genuine UtilityMate trailers. On October

    15, 2013, CBP informed Webb that it had seized a container of trailers under case number 2013-

    5201-001147 because the trailers bore marks that constituted counterfeit copies of Webbs

    registered UtilityMate trademark. The seized trailers also bore Webbs registered copyrighted

    safety sticker on the trailer tongue.1 (Figure 6.) The seized container of counterfeit trailers was

    shipped by Jumbo and destined for Altocrafts warehouse.

    Figure 6: Webbs copyrighted safety sticker on a counterfeit trailer seized by CBP in Miami.

    105. Yangs infringement of Webbs intellectual property rights is ongoing and

    pervasive.

    106. Yang continues to cause the importation of counterfeit trailers into the U.S. As

    recently as February 27, 2015, Customs and Border Patrol in Miami seized a container of trailers

    that CBP determined infringed Plaintiffs intellectual property rights. The counterfeit trailers

    1 To date, every counterfeit trailer supplied by Jumbo seized by CBP has borne Webbs copyrighted safety sticker. COMPLAINT

    Page 23

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  • were destined for James Zhang at Starlight New Energy LLC. Starlight New Energy LLC is a

    fictitious name registered with the Florida Secretary of State by James Zhang. Per the

    registration, Starlight New Energy LLC has an identical business address as Altocraft. On

    information and belief, the counterfeit trailers were shipped by Jumbo.

    107. Yangs infringement involving counterfeit trailers has caused damage to Trailers

    Intl in the form of actual and future reduced sales and lost profits.

    108. Yangs infringement has caused customer confusion, has damaged Webbs and

    Trailers Intls reputation for offering a quality product, and has put customers at risk of physical

    harm due to the inferior craftsmanship of the counterfeit trailers.

    109. Webb or Trailers Intl face increased risk of complaints and suits as a direct result

    of Yangs participation the importation, sale, and distribution of counterfeit trailers.

    CLAIM ONE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

    110. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 94 above as if fully set forth herein.

    111. Yangs acts constitute copyright infringement in violation of 17 U.S.C. 501.

    112. Webb is the author and copyright holder of copyrighted material for his utility

    trailers. Webb has registered the owners manual and contents, web site, product catalog, sales

    material and package artwork associated with his utility trailers with the U.S. Copyright Office.

    113. Webb has complied with 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq., and has secured the exclusive

    rights and privileges in and to the copyrights of the owners manual and contents, web site,

    product catalog, sales material and package artwork associated with his utility trailers. Webb is,

    and has been, the sole owner of the rights, title, and interest in and to the copyrights in their

    respective works as referenced above.

    COMPLAINT Page 24

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  • 114. Trailers Intl is the exclusive licensee of Webbs intellectual property, including

    Webbs federally registered copyrights.

    115. Yang caused the distribution of counterfeit utility trailers that included manuals

    containing Webbs and Trailers Intls copyrighted material.

    116. At Yangs direction, Jumbos website displayed Webb and Trailers Intls

    copyrighted images.

    117. Yangs activities described hereinabove violate Webbs and Trailers Intls

    exclusive rights and privileges, conferred pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq., including without

    limitation 17 U.S.C. 106, of Webbs registered copyright in the owners manual and contents,

    web site, product catalog, sales material and package artwork associated with Trailers Intl utility

    trailers.

    118. Yang has realized and continues to realize profits and other benefits rightfully

    belonging to Webb or Trailers Intl as a result of his violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls

    exclusive rights in the copyrighted material.

    119. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in Webbs

    copyrighted material has caused and is likely to cause Webb and Trailers Intl to sustain monetary

    damages, loss, and injury in an amount to be determined in this action.

    120. Yangs use of Webbs copyrighted material is without Webbs and Trailers Intls

    consent or permission.

    121. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in Webbs

    copyrighted material was made with actual or constructive knowledge of Webbs and Trailers

    Intls exclusive rights. Webb and Trailers Intl are therefore entitled to the maximum damages

    allowable.

    COMPLAINT Page 25

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  • CLAIM TWO TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT

    122. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 106 above as if fully set forth herein.

    123. Yangs acts constitute trademark infringement of Plaintiffs registered marks in

    violation of 15 U.S.C. 1114(1).

    124. Webbs UtilityMate, UtilitySport, BUILD IT AND SAVE, and 4 in 1

    trademarks are valid, federally registered trademarks owned by Webb.

    125. The registration of Webbs marks on the Principal Register constitutes prima facie

    evidence of the validity of Webbs marks, as well as Webbs ownership and exclusive rights to

    use the marks in commerce, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1115.

    126. Trailers Intl is the exclusive licensee of Webbs intellectual property, including

    Webbs federally registered trademarks.

    127. Webb and Trailers Intl, as the owner and licensee of all right, title, and interest to

    the registered marks, have standing to maintain an action for trademark infringement under 15

    U.S.C. 1114.

    128. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the UtilityMate, UtilitySport,

    and 4 in 1 marks in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. And, Webb and

    Trailers Intl have continuously used the BUILD IT AND SAVE mark in commerce for the sale

    of utility trailers since at least 2009.

    129. Yang has used and continues to use Webbs federally registered marks in

    connection with the sale of utility trailersthe same goods sold by Trailers Intl under these

    federally registered marks and the same goods listed in Webbs Federal Registration for his

    registered marks.

    COMPLAINT Page 26

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  • 130. Yang sold utility trailers bearing marks identical or confusingly similar to Webb

    and Trailers Intls marks.

    131. Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks as alleged above has caused, and

    is likely to further cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the source, or approval of the

    products and services of Yang, in that others are likely to believe that Yangs goods and services

    are in some way legitimately connected with, sponsored or licensed by, or otherwise related to

    Webb and Trailers Intl.

    132. Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks is without Webbs and Trailers

    Intls consent or permission.

    133. Yangs infringement has caused and is likely to cause damage to Webbs and

    Trailers Intls reputation and goodwill among consumers and will divert sales and opportunities

    away from Trailers Intl and to Yang.

    134. Yangs acts of trademark infringement, unless enjoined, are likely to cause Webb

    and Trailers Intl to sustain monetary damages, loss, and injury in an amount to be determined in

    this action.

    135. Webb and Trailers Intl are without an adequate remedy at law because Yangs

    infringement of Webbs federally registered marks has caused irreparable injury to Webb and

    Trailers Intl, and unless said acts are enjoined by this Court, they will continue and Webb and

    Trailers Intl will continue to suffer irreparable injury.

    136. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in the federally

    registered marks are with actual or constructive knowledge of Webbs and Trailers Intls

    exclusive rights. Webb and Trailers Intl are therefore entitled to the maximum damages

    allowable.

    COMPLAINT Page 27

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  • CLAIM THREE TRADEMARK COUNTERFEITING

    137. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 121 above as if fully set forth herein.

    138. Yangs acts constitute trademark counterfeiting in violation of 15 U.S.C.

    1114(1) and 1116(d).

    139. Webbs UtilityMate, UtilitySport, BUILD IT AND SAVE, and 4 in 1

    marks are valid, federally registered marks owned by Webb.

    140. The registration of Webbs marks on the Principal Register constitutes prima facie

    evidence of the validity of Webbs marks, as well as Webbs ownership and exclusive rights to

    use the marks in commerce, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1115.

    141. Trailers Intl is the exclusive licensee of Webbs intellectual property, including

    Webbs federally registered trademarks.

    142. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the UtilityMate, UtilitySport,

    and 4 in 1 marks in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. And, Webb and

    Trailers Intl have continuously used the BUILD IT AND SAVE mark in commerce for the sale

    of utility trailers since at least 2009.

    143. Yang has used and continues to use marks that are identical or substantially

    indistinguishable, and confusingly similar, to Webbs federally registered marks in connection

    with the sale of utility trailersthe same goods sold by Trailers Intl under these federally

    registered marks and the same goods listed in Webbs Federal Registration for his registered

    marks.

    144. Yang has used marks that are identical or substantially indistinguishable, and

    confusingly similar, to Webbs federally registered marks knowing that they are counterfeit in

    COMPLAINT Page 28

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  • connection with the advertisement, promotion, offer for sale, sale, and distribution of utility

    trailers

    145. Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks in commerce as alleged herein

    has caused and is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the affiliation,

    connection, or association of Yang with Webb and Trailers Intl or as to the origin or approval of

    the products of Yang and those of Webb and Trailers Intl, and misrepresents the nature,

    characteristics, and qualities of these products.

    146. Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks is without Webbs and Trailers

    Intls consent or permission.

    147. Yangs activities have caused and are likely to cause damage to Webbs and

    Trailers Intls reputation and goodwill among consumers and will divert sales and opportunities

    away from Webb and Trailers Intl and to Yang.

    148. Yangs acts of trademark counterfeiting have caused, and, unless enjoined, are

    likely to further cause Webb and Trailers Intl to sustain monetary damages, loss, and injury in an

    amount to be determined in this action.

    149. Webb and Trailers Intl are without an adequate remedy at law because Yangs use

    of Webbs federally registered marks has caused irreparable injury to Webb and Trailers Intl, and

    unless said acts are enjoined by this Court, they will continue and Webb and Trailers Intl will

    continue to suffer irreparable injury.

    150. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in the federally

    registered marks are with actual or constructive knowledge of Webbs and Trailers Intls

    exclusive rights. Webb and Trailers Intl are therefore entitled to the maximum damages

    allowable.

    COMPLAINT Page 29

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  • CLAIM FOUR FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN

    151. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and realleges each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 135 above as if fully set forth herein.

    152. Yangs acts constitute false designation of origin in violation of 15 U.S.C.

    1125(a)(1).

    153. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the name UtilityMate and the

    term 4 in 1 in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. Webb and Trailers

    Intl have continuously used the names Utility Dump and Powersport in commerce for the

    sale of utility trailers since at least 2006. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the

    term Build it and Save in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2009. And,

    Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the names Open Dump, EZ Dump, Multi-

    Sport and Motor Sport in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2011.

    154. Webbs UtilityMate, UtilitySport, BUILD IT AND SAVE, and 4 in 1

    marks are valid, federally registered marks owned by Webb.

    155. The registration of Webbs marks on the Principal Register constitutes prima facie

    evidence of the validity of Webbs marks, as well as Webbs ownership and exclusive rights to

    use the marks in commerce, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1115.

    156. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the UtilityMate, UtilitySport,

    and 4 in 1 marks in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. And, Webb and

    Trailers Intl have continuously used the BUILD IT AND SAVE mark in commerce for the sale

    of utility trailers since at least 2009.

    157. Yang has used and continues to use identical or confusingly similar names and

    terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use, as well as Webbs federally registered marks, in connection

    COMPLAINT Page 30

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  • with the importation and sale of utility trailers into and across the United States, which is

    identical to the goods in connection with which Webb and Trailers Intl use and have used the

    names and terms, and federally registered marks, and to the goods listed in Webbs Federal

    Registration for his registered marks.

    158. Yangs use of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and

    Trailers Intl use, as well as Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks, has caused and is

    likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the source, affiliation, or approval of the

    goods and services of Yang because others are likely to believe that Yangs goods and services

    in some way are connected with, licensed by, associated with, affiliated with, or otherwise

    related to Webb and Trailers Intl.

    159. Yangs use of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and

    Trailers Intl use, as well as Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks, is without Webbs

    and Trailers Intls consent or permission.

    160. Yangs activities have caused and are likely to cause damage to Webbs and

    Trailers Intls reputation and goodwill among consumers and will divert sales and opportunities

    away from Webb and Trailers Intl and to Yang.

    161. Yang acts which constitute false designation of origin have caused, and, unless

    enjoined, are likely to further cause Webb and Trailers Intl to sustain monetary damages, loss,

    and injury in an amount to be determined in this action.

    162. Webb and Trailers Intl are without an adequate remedy at law because Yangs use

    of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use, as well as

    Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks, has caused irreparable injury to Webb and

    COMPLAINT Page 31

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  • Trailers Intl, and unless said acts are enjoined by this Court, they will continue and Webb and

    Trailers Intl will continue to suffer irreparable injury.

    163. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in the federally

    registered marks are with actual or constructive knowledge of Webbs and Trailers Intls

    exclusive rights. Webb and Trailers Intl are therefore entitled to the maximum damages

    allowable.

    CLAIM FIVE UNFAIR COMPETITION (PASSING OFF)

    164. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 148 above as if fully set forth herein.

    165. Yangs acts constitute unfair competition in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1).

    166. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the name UtilityMate and the

    term 4 in 1 in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. Webb and Trailers

    Intl have continuously used the names Utility Dump and Powersport in commerce for the

    sale of utility trailers since at least 2006. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the

    term Build it and Save in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2009. And,

    Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the names Open Dump, EZ Dump, Multi-

    Sport and Motor Sport in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2011.

    167. Webbs UtilityMate, UtilitySport, BUILD IT AND SAVE, and 4 in 1

    marks are valid, federally registered marks owned by Webb.

    168. The registration of Webbs marks on the Principal Register constitutes prima facie

    evidence of the validity of Webbs marks, as well as Webbs ownership and exclusive rights to

    use the marks in commerce, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1115.

    COMPLAINT Page 32

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  • 169. Trailers Intl is the exclusive licensee of Webbs intellectual property, including

    Webbs federally registered trademarks.

    170. Webb and Trailers Intl have continuously used the UtilityMate, UtilitySport,

    and 4 in 1 marks in commerce for the sale of utility trailers since at least 2005. And, Webb and

    Trailers Intl have continuously used the BUILD IT AND SAVE mark in commerce for the sale

    of utility trailers since at least 2009.

    171. Yang imports, offers for sale, sells, and distributes utility trailers across the

    United States.

    172. Yang represents to potential and actual customers that the utility trailers Yang

    imports, offers for sale, sells, and distributes across the United States are Altocraft brand,

    supplied by Jumbo.

    173. Customers who order Altocraft trailers receive trailers that bear Webbs federally

    registered trademarks, bear identical or similar names and terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use,

    and which are packaged with documentation that consists of Webbs federally registered

    copyrighted material and includes licensing and registration certificates bearing Trailers Intls

    predecessor business name and World Manufacturer Identifier.

    174. Yang has used and continues to use identical or confusingly similar names and

    terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use, as well as Webbs federally registered marks in connection

    with the importation and sale of utility trailers into and across the United States, which is

    identical to the goods in connection with which Webb and Trailers Intl use and have used the

    federally registered marks since at least 2005 and 2009, respectively, and to the goods listed in

    Webbs Federal Registration for his registered marks.

    COMPLAINT Page 33

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  • 175. Yangs use of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and

    Trailers Intl use, as well as Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks has caused and is

    likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the source, affiliation, or approval of the

    goods and services of Yang because others are likely to believe that Yangs goods and services

    in some way are connected with, licensed by, associated with, affiliated with, or otherwise

    related to Webb and Trailers Intl.

    176. Yangs use of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and

    Trailers Intl use, as well as Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks is without Webbs

    or Trailers Intls consent or permission.

    177. Yangs activities have caused and are likely to cause damage to Webbs and

    Trailers Intls reputation and goodwill among consumers and will divert sales and opportunities

    away from Trailers Intl and to Yang.

    178. Yangs acts which constitute passing off unfair competition have caused, and,

    unless enjoined, are likely to further cause Webb and Trailers Intl to sustain monetary damages,

    loss, and injury in an amount to be determined in this action.

    179. Webb and Trailers Intl are without an adequate remedy at law because Yangs use

    of identical or confusingly similar names and terms as Webb and Trailers Intl use, as well as

    Yangs use of Webbs federally registered marks has caused irreparable injury to Webb and

    Trailers Intl, and unless said acts are enjoined by this Court, they will continue and Webb and

    Trailers Intl will continue to suffer irreparable injury.

    180. Yangs violations of Webbs and Trailers Intls exclusive rights in the federally

    registered marks are with actual or constructive knowledge of Webbs and Trailers Intls

    COMPLAINT Page 34

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  • exclusive rights. Webb and Trailers Intl are therefore entitled to the maximum damages

    allowable.

    CLAIM SIX UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES (ORS 646.608(1)(b-c))

    181. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 164 above as if fully set forth herein.

    182. Yangs sales of counterfeit trailers which are nearly identical in appearance to

    Plaintiffs UtilityMate and UtilitySport trailers constitutes an unfair business practice under

    ORS 646.608(1)(b-c).

    183. Under ORS 646.608(1), [a] person engages in an unlawful practice if in the

    course of the persons business, vocation or occupation the person does any of the following:

    (b) Causes likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding as to the source,

    sponsorship, approval, or certification of real estate, goods or services.

    (c) Causes likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding as to affiliation,

    connection, or association with, or certification by, another.

    184. Yangs participation in the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and other

    activities involving counterfeit trailers manufacturing by Jumbo using Plaintiffs designs,

    drawings, blueprints, tooling, and dies creates confusion as to the association, sponsorship,

    approval, affiliation, connection, and source of the counterfeit trailers.

    185. Yangs violation of ORS 646.608(1)(b) and (c) has caused Plaintiffs to suffer

    lost sales to companies that sell utility trailers in Oregon, including but not limited to Home

    Depot, Sears, and K-Mart.

    COMPLAINT Page 35

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  • 186. Plaintiffs are entitled to recover their actual damages or statutory damages,

    punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys fees, pursuant to ORS 646.638(1) and (3), and to

    injunctive relief under ORS 646.636.

    CLAIM SEVEN CONVERSION

    187. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 170 above as if fully set forth herein.

    188. Webb and Trailers Intl own all blueprints, tooling, and dies used to manufacture

    genuine Trailers Intl trailers.

    189. Webb and Trailers Intl demanded that Yang return all blueprints, tooling, dies,

    and any copies of the same, used to manufacture genuine Trailers Intl trailers.

    190. Yang does not have the right to use or possess Webbs and Trailers Intls

    blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    191. Yang knowingly and illegally has caused and continues to cause the manufacture

    of counterfeit utility trailers using Webbs and Trailers Intls blueprints, tooling, and dies, or

    copies of the same.

    192. Yang tortiously obtained possession of Webbs and Trailers Intls blueprints,

    tooling, and dies, or copies of the same, and by his acts of directing Jumbo to manufacture

    counterfeit trailers has wrongfully converted Webbs and Trailers Intls blueprints, tooling, and

    dies, or copies of the same, to his own use and benefit.

    193. Yangs activities described hereinabove constitute conversion of Webbs and

    Trailers Intls blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    194. Webb and Trailers Intl have been damaged and inconvenienced by Yangs

    conversion of their blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    COMPLAINT Page 36

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  • CLAIM EIGHT TRADE SECRET MISAPPROPRIATION

    195. Webb and Trailers Intl repeat and reallege each of the allegations contained in

    paragraphs 1 through 178 above as if fully set forth herein.

    196. Webb and Trailers Intl own all blueprints, tooling, and dies used to manufacture

    genuine Trailers Intl trailers.

    197. Webbs and Trailers Intls blueprints, tooling, and dies used to manufacture

    genuine Trailers Intl trailers are Webbs and Trailers Intls secret and proprietary materials.

    198. Webb and Trailers Intl only disclose and allow the use of their blueprints, tooling,

    and dies used to manufacture genuine Trailers Intl trailers to contract manufacturers that they

    authorize.

    199. Webb and Trailers Intl demanded that Yang return all blueprints, tooling, dies,

    and any copies of the same, used to manufacture genuine Trailers Intl trailers.

    200. Yang does not have the right to use or possess Webbs and Trailers Intls

    blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    201. Yang knowingly and illegally has used and continues to use Webbs and Trailers

    Intls blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same to manufacture counterfeit trailers.

    202. Yangs activities described hereinabove constitute misappropriation of Webbs

    and Trailers Intls blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    203. Webb and Trailers Intl have been damaged by Yangs misappropriation of their

    blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same.

    COMPLAINT Page 37

    Case 3:15-cv-00767 Document 1 Filed 05/04/15 Page 38 of 40

  • PRAYER FOR RELIEF

    WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs Vincent L. Webb and Trailers Intl LLC pray for the following

    relief:

    A. A judgment for Plaintiffs against Yang that Yang is liable for Federal Copyright

    infringement, Federal Trademark infringement, Federal Unfair Competition and False

    Designation of Origin under Federal Law;

    B. A judgment for Plaintiffs against Yang that Yang is liable for unfair business

    practices pursuant to ORS 646.608(1)(b) and (c);

    C. A judgment for Plaintiffs against Yang that Yang is liable for damages caused by

    his conversion of Plaintiffs blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same;

    D. A judgment for Plaintiffs against Yang that Yang is liable for damages caused by

    his misappropriation of Plaintiffs blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same;

    E. A grant of permanent injunction against Yang enjoining him from using

    Plaintiffs blueprints, tooling, and dies, or copies of the same;

    F. A grant of permanent injunction against Yang enjoining him from using Webbs

    federally registered copyrights and trademarks, or any confusingly similar variation thereof in

    connection with utility trailers, pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 502 and 15 U.S.C. 1116;

    G. A judgment awarding Plaintiffs compensatory and/or statutory damages as a

    result of Yangs actions, together with interest and costs, including enhanced and treble damages,

    pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 504, and 15 U.S.C. 1117(a)-(d);

    H. An award to Plaintiffs of their costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorneys

    fees incurred in this action, together with interest, including prejudgment interest, pursuant to 17

    U.S.C. 505, and 15 U.S.C. 1117(b), and the equity powers of this Court; and

    COMPLAINT Page 38

    Case 3:15-cv-00767 Document 1 Filed 05/04/15 Page 39 of 40

  • I. Such other and further relief as may be deemed just and appropriate.

    DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

    Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38(b), Plaintiff requests a trial by jury on all issues properly

    triable by a jury.

    Respectfully submitted,

    Dated: May 4, 2015 By: s/ Stephen J. Joncus Stephen J. Joncus, OSB No. 013072 Email: [email protected] Xavier A. Clark, OSB No. 133287 Email: [email protected] KLARQUIST SPARKMAN, LLP 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite 1600 Portland, Oregon 97204 Telephone: 503-595-5300 Attorneys for Plaintiffs TRAILERS INTL LLC and VINCENT L. WEBB

    COMPLAINT Page 39

    Case 3:15-cv-00767 Document 1 Filed 05/04/15 Page 40 of 40

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